Background:
Several workers at a nursery complained of skin problems. An occupational allergic contact dermatitis from tulip was diagnosed in 2 of the workers.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to survey the frequency of occupational dermatoses among nursery workers and to investigate whether the tulip sensitizer α-methylene-χ-butyrolactone traces all contact allergy to tulip.
Methods:
A questionnaire was delivered to 41 employees, and everyone with a present or previous skin disease was offered a consultation including patch testing with the known tulip sensitizer as well as two types of tulip extracts and parts of the plant.
Results:
Occupational dermatoses were diagnosed in 11 workers, allergic contact dermatitis in 9 workers (tulip and/or daffodil), and irritant contact dermatitis in 2 workers.
Conclusion:
Occupational dermatoses are common among nursery workers. All workers with contact allergy to tulip was traced by α-methylene-χ-butyrolactone.
