title: Role of the atopy score and of single atopic features as risk factors for the development of hand eczema in trainee metal workers.
abstract: This study was performed as part of PROMETES (Swiss Prospective Metal Worker Eczema Study) to examine the role of atopy as a possible risk factor for the development of hand eczema in trainee metal workers. In a cohort of 201 young men without any skin problems at the start of their apprenticeship, 9.5% developed signs of dermatitis on their hands within a period of 6 months. The 2. 5-year incidence was 23%. We did not find a significantly increased risk for hand eczema in those participants with an atopic skin diathesis according to the atopy score of Diepgen et al. (Dermatosen 1991; 39: 79-83) Analysis of individual atopic signs and symptoms showed reported metal reactivity to have a significant influence on the onset of early skin damage within 6 months, whereas a history of flexural eczema appeared to be significantly related to the overall incidence over 2.5 years.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, CH 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Berndt
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hinnen
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Iliev
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Elsner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors