title: Pattern of occupational allergic dermatitis in the Dermatology Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
abstract: A two years retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed as contact allergic dermatitis with positive patch test attending the Dermatology clinic was performed. Of the 346 patients with a positive patch test, 14% had occupational dermatitis. This condition affected mainly young and inexperienced workers. An inverse relationship was seen between age and prevalence of occupational allergic dermatitis. Allergic hand dermatitis was the commonest presentation in occupational allergic dermatitis. This was followed by dermatitis of the exposed skin (face, neck, hands and forearms). The common sensitising agents identified were rubber chemicals and nickel. The two main groups at risk were factory workers and medical personnel. The common allergens found in factory workers were epoxy resin, pewter, nickel and rubber chemicals. Exposure dermatitis occurred in patients working in the pewter industry. Two thirds of medical personnel with hand dermatitis were allergic to rubber gloves. One year follow up after patch testing showed that 19% of patients still suffered from chronic dermatitis. Dermatitis improved in 34% of patients. Forty-seven percent were cured and stopped attending the clinic after patch testing and adequate counselling.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rohna
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ganesapillai
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Salbiah
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Zaiton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003880:Dermatology; D005260:Female; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D009532:Nickel / Q000276:immunology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D012408:Rubber
chemical_list: D009532:Nickel; D012408:Rubber