Hand eczema among hairdressing apprentices in Denmark following a nationwide prospective intervention programme: 6-year follow-up.
BACKGROUND
Hand eczema is the commonest occupational skin disease in Denmark, and hairdressing is a high-risk profession. In 2008-2010, a clinically controlled, prospective intervention study aimed at reducing the development of hand eczema was conducted at hairdressing schools in Denmark. The findings showed that significantly fewer apprentices in the intervention group developed hand eczema over a period of 18 months.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the long-term effect of the intervention.


METHODS
Two hundred and eighty-four participants were identified from the original dataset, and were sent a questionnaire.


RESULTS
No difference was seen between the intervention and control groups. This may partly be attributable to the two groups no longer being well matched, and improved work habits in the control group. Overall, there was an improvement in work habits. Participants had a 1-year prevalence of hand eczema of 22.4%. Reactions to hair dye were reported for 24.5%, and 35.5% had left the trade; 36.4% used gloves when shampooing, and 21.3% stated that they cut hair before colouring it.


CONCLUSIONS
The effect of the intervention was not visible after 6 years, but an overall improvement in work habits was noted.
Research Centre for Hairdressers and Beauticians, Department of Dermato-Allergology, University Hospital Gentofte, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark.
Sanne S
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3063-6355
SS
Steengaard
Research Centre for Hairdressers and Beauticians, Department of Dermato-Allergology, University Hospital Gentofte, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark.
Anne
A
Bregnhøj
Research Centre for Hairdressers and Beauticians, Department of Dermato-Allergology, University Hospital Gentofte, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark.
Jeanne D
JD
Johansen
D001461:Barbering; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006202:Hair Dyes / Q000009:adverse effects; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006202:Hair Dyes
follow-up; glove use; hair dye exposure; hairdressers; hand eczema; intervention study; occupational contact dermatitis; quality of life; work routines