Health education decreases incidence of hand eczema in metal work apprentices: Results of a controlled intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Metal work apprentices (MWAs) frequently develop work-related hand eczema (HE). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of health education on incidence of work-related HE in MWAs and to assess confounding factors. MATERIALS/METHODS: In a prospective controlled intervention study, 131 MWAs received educational training on prevention of HE, whereas 172 MWAs and 118 office work apprentices served as controls. At baseline and during three yearly follow-ups, questionnaires were completed and hands were examined. Saliva samples were collected for assessment of filaggrin (FLG) null mutations and an explorative genome-wide association study (GWAS), and levels of various cytokines were assessed from stratum corneum samples. RESULTS: The 2-year and 3-year incidence of HE in the metalwork control group was 20.9% and 32.6%, respectively, which was significantly higher than in the intervention group (odds ratio [OR] 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31 to 5.28, P < .01 and OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.88 to 6.40, P < .0001). The knowledge score was higher in unaffected MWAs (P < .05). Other factors significantly associated with developing HE in MWAs were smoking cigarettes (P < .01) and FLG mutations (P < .001). No significant associations were found regarding epidermal cytokine levels and GWAS. CONCLUSIONS: Health education is effective in primary prevention of HE in MWAs. Individual factors should be considered in targeted counseling.

Prevalence of foot eczema and associated occupational and non-occupational factors in patients with hand eczema.

BACKGROUND: Foot eczema often occurs in combination with hand eczema. However, in contrast to the situation with hand eczema, knowledge about foot eczema is scarce, especially in occupational settings. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of foot eczema and associated factors in patients with hand eczema taking part in a tertiary individual prevention programme for occupational skin diseases. PATIENTS/MATERIALS/METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, the medical records of 843 patients taking part in the tertiary individual prevention programme were evaluated. RESULTS: Seven hundred and twenty-three patients (85.8%) suffered from hand eczema. Among these, 201 patients (27.8%) had concomitant foot eczema, mainly atopic foot eczema (60.4%). An occupational irritant component was possible in 38 patients with foot eczema (18.9%). In the majority of patients, the same morphological features were found on the hands and feet (71.1%). The presence of foot eczema was significantly associated with male sex [odds ratio (OR) 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-2.49], atopic hand eczema (OR 1.60, 95%CI: 1.15-2.22), hyperhidrosis (OR 1.73, 95%CI: 1.33-2.43), and the wearing of safety shoes/boots at work (OR 2.04, 95%CI: 1.46-2.87). Tobacco smoking was associated with foot eczema (OR 1.79, 95%CI: 1.25-2.57), in particular with the vesicular subtype. CONCLUSIONS: Foot eczema is common in patients with hand eczema, and is related to both occupational and non-occupational factors.

Secondary prevention of occupational dermatoses: first systematic evaluation of optimized dermatologist's procedure and hierarchical multi-step intervention.

BACKGROUND: In 2011, 25,056 notifications of suspected occupational dermatitis (OD) were submitted to the statutory accident insurance (UVT), predominant by dermatologist's reports. Parallel to the introduction of the improved dermatologist's procedure, the hierarchical multi-step intervention approach to OD was launched within the UVT. It is aimed at ensuring that patients with OD can be allocated to preventive dermatological interventions quickly and appropriately according to the severity of their OD. From 2007-2010, the quality of dermatological interventions as well as the corresponding administrative procedures were evaluated in a unique research project supported by the German Social Accident Insurance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: About 10 % (n = 1 600) of notified cases with suspected OD in 2007 in Germany were analyzed in a random quota sample by occupational dermatologists and administrations. Follow-up was 12 months. If a dermatologist's procedure was initiated after the initial notification, patients' and dermatologists' opinions were obtained by questionnaires. RESULTS: More than 85 % of the OD notifications were submitted by dermatologists and only 1.6 % by occupational physicians. In 88 %, the dermatologist's report was used. Yet, there is room for optimizing procedures: e.g., the clinical and/or occupational relevance of type IV allergies was assessed only in 36.5 % of patients. Job loss due to OD occurred less often if suitable preventive and/or therapeutic strategies (e.g., skin protection seminars) were implemented by the UVT (p = 0.001). Preventive and therapeutic strategies were initiated more often when the dermatologist's report was conclusive, a central element is the outpatient care by a dermatologist. CONCLUSIONS: The research project shows that the quality of dermatological intervention, as well as administrative procedures, can be optimized. Early intervention with suitable preventive and therapeutic strategies in patients with OD should be aimed at, as this is crucial for the outcome of OD.