Hand dermatitis in auto mechanics and machinists.
BACKGROUND
Auto mechanics and machinists presenting with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) have traditionally been patch-tested with a standard screening tray and a specialty tray such as the Oil and Cooling Fluid Series. While this has proven useful for patch-testing the machinist, there is a need for the development of a more specific allergen testing tray for the auto mechanic.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to compare clinical features and patch-test results of auto mechanics and machinists with hand dermatitis to evaluate differences in allergen profiles.


METHODS
We performed a chart review of 33 auto mechanics and 24 machinists referred to our Occupational Contact Dermatitis Clinic from 2002 to 2005 for evaluation of hand dermatitis.


RESULTS
With a panel of 84 allergens, 52 positive reactions were detected in 17 cases of ACD in mechanics. The profiles were different from the cases of ACD diagnosed in 10 of 24 machinists.


CONCLUSIONS
Mechanics and machinists differ in the spectrum of occupational exposures. Patch testing with greater numbers of allergens likely identifies a larger proportion of mechanics with occupationally relevant ACD. Further study is needed to determine the most appropriate allergens to include in a clinically useful "mechanic's tray."
Donovan
Jeffrey C H
JC
James R. Nethercott Occupational Health Clinic, Gage Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Kudla
Irena
I
Holness
D Linn
DL
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001336:Automobiles; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D019563:Mechanics; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D010328:Patch Tests
D000485:Allergens