Mysterious slapped face rash at holiday centre.
OBJECTIVE
To discover the cause of an outbreak of facial rash in a holiday centre.


METHODS
Questionnaire survey of those with rash; analysis of samples of linen.


METHODS
Holiday centre in south west England.


METHODS
98 holiday-makers presenting to the first aid post with a facial rash.


METHODS
Replacement of bed linen with new linen in selected parts of the site.


RESULTS
The attack rate was 7.0-14.2/1000 for most accommodation areas in the centre, but in one accommodation area the rate was zero. The pH of rinse water from sheets varied from 7.4 to 9.0. Those parts of the accommodation provided with new linen had zero attack rates.


CONCLUSIONS
The facial rash resulted from irritation from washing powder retained owing to insufficient rinsing during laundering. Modifications to the rinsing process led to a gradual disappearance of the rash.
Gunnell
D J
DJ
Somerset Health Authority, Taunton.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D002648:Child; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology; D003902:Detergents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004739:England; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006693:Holidays; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007846:Laundering
D003902:Detergents