RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis induced by the occupational use of products containing essential oils has not been studied comprehensively. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present report was to describe the characteristics, diagnosis, and outcome of 5 patients with occupational contact dermatitis because of essential oils attending our outpatient dermatology clinics over a 2-year period. PATIENTS: These patients are added to the 11 cases reported thus far in the literature. RESULTS: The research shows that for proper diagnosis, patch tests with the standard series and the fragrance series should be performed, in addition to tests with the specific oils to which the patients were exposed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients should be instructed to avoid the allergens identified. Sensitization to essential oils has important implications for the occupational future of affected individuals.
Assuntos
Aromaterapia/efeitos adversos , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/etiologia , Dermatite Ocupacional/etiologia , Massagem/efeitos adversos , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Óleos Voláteis/efeitos adversos , Adulto , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/diagnóstico , Dermatite Ocupacional/diagnóstico , Feminino , Dermatoses da Mão/induzido quimicamente , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes do EmplastroRESUMO
The aim of our study was to investigate the risk and characteristics of self-reported skin diseases among hydrotherapists. We attempted to contact 400 adults who participated in 1 of 2 training courses. 248 were reached and 190 of them (76.6%) completed the questionnaires. The data were collected by means of a telephone interview and a detailed questionnaire sent by mail. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, univariate and multifactorial analysis. Of those completing the questionnaire (75.8% females and 24.2% males), 44.4% of the hydrotherapists reported on the development of skin disease for the first time after the beginning of work at the swimming pool. The most common symptoms included pruritus and erythematous patches affecting mainly the extremities and trunk. Both smoking and increased exposure hours to pool water were independently associated with skin disease, suggesting a dose-response relationship. We conclude that contact dermatitis should be recognized as an occupational disease in hydrotherapists.