Skin and respiratory tract symptoms in veterinary surgeons.
Chronic or relapsing irritant eczema of the hands was the main complaint in 34 veterinary surgeons. 9 had contact allergic eczema of occupational character. In 8 cases, the allergies were probably due to antibiotics contaminating the skin during the administration of treatment. Contact allergy to penicillin was observed in 5 cases, to neomycin in 2 and to streptomycin in 1 case. Sensitivities to other work-related substances such as rubber chemicals, antiseptics and local anaesthetics were found in 6 cases. Multiple contact allergies, in particular to different penicillins, were seen frequently. Obvious work-related immediate reactions of probable allergic type were present in 10 cases, but were confirmed with positive RAST or prick test in only 2 cases.
Falk
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Hektoen
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Thune
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D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D013522:Surgery, Veterinary; D014730:Veterinary Medicine
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents