Allergic contact dermatitis in dental professionals: effective diagnosis and treatment.
BACKGROUND
Like other health care workers, dental professionals are at risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis, or ACD, after exposure to allergenic chemicals. Common allergens include antimicrobials, preservatives, rubber additives and methacrylates.


METHODS
The authors describe an orthodontic assistant with severe skin disease, whose symptoms included redness, cracking and bleeding that persisted for 10 years. The patient had previously received an incomplete diagnosis. After performing patch testing, assessing symptoms and evaluating the patient's medical history, the authors diagnosed ACD resulting from exposure to several dental allergens. The patient received appropriate treatment and counseling to better manage her allergies; this resulted in resolution of all symptoms and averted permanent occupational disability.


CONCLUSIONS
Not all skin reactions are related to gloves or natural rubber latex. Dental professionals should be aware of common chemical allergens, symptoms of ACD and the appropriate treatment of occupational skin disease.
Hamann
Curtis P
CP
Smart-Practice, Phoenix, Ariz 85008, USA. hamann@smarthealth.com
Rodgers
Pamela A
PA
Sullivan
Kim
K
D003726:Dental Assistants; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005976:Glutaral / Q000009:adverse effects; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009970:Orthodontics; D010328:Patch Tests; D012307:Risk Factors
D003764:Dental Materials; D004202:Disinfectants; D008689:Methacrylates; D005976:Glutaral