Skin and respiratory ill-health attributed to occupational face mask use.

BACKGROUND: Face mask use in the workplace has become widespread since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and has been anecdotally linked to adverse health consequences. AIMS: To examine reports of adverse health consequences of occupational face mask use received by The Health and Occupation Research (THOR) network before and after the pandemic onset. METHODS: THOR databases were searched to identify all cases of ill-health attributed to 'face mask' or similar suspected causative agent between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2021. RESULTS: Thirty two cases were identified in total, 18 reported by occupational physicians and 14 by dermatologists. Seventy-five per cent of cases were reported after the pandemic onset and 91% cases were in the health and social care sector. 25 of the 35 (71%) diagnoses were dermatological, the most frequent diagnoses being contact dermatitis (14 cases) and folliculitis/acne (6 cases). Of the seven respiratory diagnoses, four were exacerbation of pre-existing asthma. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of an abrupt increase in reports of predominantly dermatological ill-health attributed to occupational face mask use since the start of the pandemic. Respiratory presentations have also occurred.

Integrating neuronal involvement into the immune and genetic paradigm of vitiligo.

In this review we show how the neuronal theory is relevant to the convergence theory for the mechanism causing vitiligo, especially the segmental type. Neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, such as neuropeptide Y and dopamine, can be central to the pathological mechanisms of melanocyte destruction. They link into a bidirectional network connecting cutaneous nerves, the neuroendocrine axis and the immune system, and through their local influence on cutaneous inflammation, to the antigen-specific regulatory T cells and the chemokine ligand type 9/chemokine receptor type 1 axis, which is thought to be the final pathway for melanocyte destruction.

Ambient humidity and the skin: the impact of air humidity in healthy and diseased states.

Humidity, along with other climatic factors such as temperature and ultraviolet radiation, can have an important impact on the skin. Limited data suggest that external humidity influences the water content of the stratum corneum. An online literature search was conducted through Pub-Med using combinations of the following keywords: skin, skin disease, humidity, dermatoses, dermatitis, eczema, and mist. Publications included in this review were limited to (i) studies in humans or animals, (ii) publications showing relevance to the field of dermatology, (iii) studies published in English and (iv) publications discussing humidity as an independent influence on skin function. Studies examining environmental factors as composite influences on skin health are only included where the impact of humidity on the skin is also explored in isolation of other environmental factors. A formal systematic review was not feasible for this topic due to the heterogeneity of the available research. Epidemiological studies indicated an increase in eczema with low internal (indoors) humidity and an increase in eczema with external high humidity. Other studies suggest that symptoms of dry skin appear with low humidity internal air-conditioned environments. Murine studies determined that low humidity caused a number of changes in the skin, including the impairment of the desquamation process. Studies in humans demonstrated a reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (a measure of the integrity of the skin's barrier function) with low humidity, alterations in the water content in the stratum corneum, decreased skin elasticity and increased roughness. Intervention with a humidifying mist increased the water content of the stratum corneum. Conversely, there is some evidence that low humidity conditions can actually improve the barrier function of the skin. Ambient relative humidity has an impact on a range of parameters involved in skin health but the literature is inconclusive. Further studies are needed to better delineate the interactions that can occur in normal and diseased states. Therapeutic measures might be forthcoming especially for skin diseases such as eczema, which are regarded as being characterized by 'skin dryness'. Further research examining the interaction between different environmental exposures thought to impact the skin, and indeed the interplay between genetic, environmental and immunological influences, are required.

Nickel allergy following European Union regulation in Denmark, Germany, Italy and the U.K.

BACKGROUND: Nickel allergy is common worldwide. It is associated with hand dermatitis, and sensitization is often induced by nickel-releasing jewellery. The European Union (EU) introduced legislation to control nickel content and release from jewellery and other consumer items through the EU Nickel Directive 1994, which came into force in 2001 and is now part of the REACH regulation. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of the EU nickel regulations on the prevalence of nickel allergy in four European countries. METHODS: Nickel patch-test data from 180,390 patients were collected from national databases in Denmark, Germany, Italy and the U.K. from between 1985 and 2002 to 2010. Patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis who had been patch tested with nickel sulfate 5% in petrolatum were included in the analysis. The main outcomes studied were the percentage of positive results to nickel patch tests, and changes in trends with time in an age- and sex-stratified analysis. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in nickel allergy was observed in Danish, German and Italian women aged below 30 years. In female patients in the U.K. this was observed between 2004 and 2010. In young men, a statistically significant decrease in nickel allergy was observed in Germany and the U.K., whereas a nonsignificant increase was observed in Italy. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a reduction in the prevalence of nickel allergy in young women, contemporaneous with the introduction of the nickel regulation. A reduction is also suggested in men in Germany and the U.K. A causative effect of the regulatory intervention is the most likely explanation.

The angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism in Indian patients with vitiligo: a case-control study and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a common, acquired, idiopathic depigmenting skin disorder. Although the exact pathogenesis remains unknown, genetic susceptibility and autoimmune responses play a role in vitiligo development. Previous studies have suggested that the D allele of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is associated with vitiligo in Indians and Koreans. Furthermore, significantly higher serum ACE levels have been demonstrated in patients with some autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to investigate any association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and vitiligo susceptibility in an Indian population, and to compare serum ACE levels in patients with vitiligo and healthy subjects. METHODS: The ACE I/D genotypes of 79 patients with vitiligo and 100 normal individuals were determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification. A meta-analysis was done to compare the distribution of the ACE I/D alleles and genotypes in the current and three previous studies. Serum ACE levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: A significant increase in the frequency of the ACE I/D D allele was evident in patients with vitiligo in both the case-control study [P=0·005; odds ratio (OR) 1·87; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1·22-2·85] and the meta-analysis (P=0·044; OR 1·44; 95% CI 1·01-2·06). Serum ACE levels were significantly increased in patients with vitiligo compared with healthy subjects (P<0·0001). CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with earlier reports, the ACE I/D D allele is associated with vitiligo susceptibility in the Indian population. The significantly elevated serum ACE levels in our cohort of patients with vitiligo concur with those previously found in patients with some other autoimmune diseases.

Vitiligo patients from India (Mumbai) show differences in clinical, demographic and autoantibody profiles compared to patients in western countries.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a common, idiopathic skin disorder characterized by depigmented skin due to the loss of cutaneous melanocytes. Several studies have reported the clinical and demographic characteristics of Indian vitiligo patients, however, none has characterized their antibody profiles. OBJECTIVE: To establish the clinical, demographic and serological details of a population of vitiligo patients from Mumbai, India, and to evaluate the data for any associations between clinical presentations and the occurrence of antibody responses. METHODS: Vitiligo patients (n = 79) were recruited to the study and their clinical and demographic details recorded. Serum antibodies, including those against melanocyte-specific antigens, thyroid antigens and keratinocytes, were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitiligo was independent of sex, and non-segmental vitiligo was the most common form of the disease occurring in 65% of the patients. Patients with segmental vitiligo (mean age = 14.4 ± 4.6 years) presented at a younger age than those with non-segmental disease (mean age = 32.5 ± 17.8 years). Personal and family histories of other autoimmune diseases occurred in 3% and 8% of patients, respectively. Antibodies were detected against tyrosinase, tyrosine hydroxylase, thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin and keratinocytes at frequencies of 11%, 22%, 18%, 24% and 27%, respectively. Overall, antibodies were more common in patients with non-segmental vitiligo (50-67%) than in those with segmental disease (0-17%), and were detected more frequently in patients with shorter disease durations (<10 years). CONCLUSION: Our study provides novel information relative to the clinical details, demographic features and serological parameters of a population of vitiligo patients from Mumbai, India. Important distinctions from similar surveys conducted in European patients were evident such as an infrequency of family history, a low prevalence of clinical autoimmune disease, and an absence of particular antibody specificities. These differences may have a bearing on the pathogenesis and course of the disease in Indian patients.

Melanocyte antigen-specific antibodies cannot be used as markers for recent disease activity in patients with vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Objective parameters to assess disease activity in non-segmental vitiligo are lacking. Melanocyte antigen-specific antibodies are frequently found in the sera of patients with vitiligo and the presence of these antibodies may correlate with disease activity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between melanocyte antigen-specific antibodies and recent disease activity in patients with vitiligo and to evaluate the potential usefulness of this objective parameter in daily clinical practice. METHODS: The prevalence of tyrosinase, melanoma antigen recognized by T-cells-1 (MART1), melanin-concentrating hormone receptor-1 (MCHR1), gp100 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) antibodies was evaluated in 21 patients with non-segmental vitiligo and in 20 healthy controls. RESULTS: In 21 patients, nine (42.8%) showed antibody responses against tyrosinase, MART1, MCHR1, gp100 or TH. No antibody responses were found in the 20 controls. No correlation was found between the presence of antibodies and recent disease activity or other clinical characteristics such as age, gender, extension and duration of vitiligo. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 42.8% of the vitiligo patients showed an antibody response to melanocyte antigen-specific antigens. However, the presence of antibodies against melanocytes did not correlate with recent disease activity or other relevant disease parameters, and for the moment screening for these antibodies in individual patients does not appear to be clinically relevant.

Guidelines for the management of vitiligo: the European Dermatology Forum consensus.

The aetiopathogenic mechanisms of vitiligo are still poorly understood, and this has held back progress in diagnosis and treatment. Up until now, treatment guidelines have existed at national levels, but no common European viewpoint has emerged. This guideline for the treatment of segmental and nonsegmental vitiligo has been developed by the members of the Vitiligo European Task Force and other colleagues. It summarizes evidence-based and expert-based recommendations (S1 level).

Epitopes, avidity and IgG subclasses of tyrosine hydroxylase autoantibodies in vitiligo and alopecia areata patients.

BACKGROUND: We previously detected antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in 23% of patients with nonsegmental vitiligo and in 19% of patients with alopecia areata (AA). OBJECTIVES: To identify TH epitopes recognized by TH antibodies in patients with vitiligo and AA. METHODS: Recombinant plasmids containing defined fragments of TH cDNA were constructed. The cloned TH cDNA fragments were subsequently translated in vitro to produce a series of [(35) S]-labelled TH protein fragments which were then used in radioimmunoassays to analyse the immunoreactivity of sera from 18 TH antibody-positive patients with vitiligo and so initially define TH epitope domains. Further localization of TH epitopes was investigated by antibody absorption experiments using synthetic TH peptides and nonradiolabelled, in vitro-expressed TH protein fragments. Antibody binding to identified epitopes was confirmed in TH peptide enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Analysis of the results obtained indicated the presence of two major antibody-binding sites on TH between amino acids 1 and 14 (epitope 1-14) and between amino acids 61 and 80 (epitope 61-80). Of 18 patients with vitiligo and six with AA, 17 (94%) and five (83%), respectively, had antibodies against epitope 1-14. In addition, 11/18 (61%) vitiligo and 2/6 (33%) AA patient sera displayed immunoreactivity against epitope 61-80. CONCLUSIONS: Two major binding sites for human TH antibodies are located at the N-terminus of the protein. The humoral immune response to TH in vitiligo and AA is heterogeneous in nature in that patients may have antibodies to more than one TH epitope. TH antibodies from patients with vitiligo or AA can recognize identical epitopes.

Nickel skin levels in different occupations and an estimate of the threshold for reacting to a single open application of nickel in nickel-allergic subjects.

BACKGROUND: Nickel is a frequent allergen throughout the world. However, the extent to which nickel is relevant as an occupational contact allergen as opposed to being simply a reflection of jewellery exposure has been unclear. Some thresholds for cutaneous nickel exposure to induce a dermatitis reaction in nickel-allergic individuals have been defined. Over recent years it has become possible to measure accurately the quantity of nickel on the skin of individuals in a number of occupations. OBJECTIVES: To measure the quantities of nickel on the skin of the fingers in workers employed in occupations for which nickel has been suspected as a contact allergen. To define the threshold for a dermatitis reaction after the single application of a quantity of nickel to the skin of nickel-allergic individuals when read at 2days. METHODS: We employed the 'finger immersion' technique for sample collection and induction coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the nickel measurement. Nickel platers, cashiers, sales assistants, caterers, healthcare assistants, office workers, dental nurses and hairdressers were studied (five in each group except for seven cashiers). A correction was made for the fact that the finger immersion method underestimates the amount of nickel on the fingertip. The threshold for reactivity to a single application of nickel was studied by the application of various concentrations of nickel (µgcm(-2) ) [0·05 (two subjects), 0·5 (two subjects), 2·5 (three subjects), 5·0 (21 subjects), 15 (19 subjects), 30 (19 subjects) and 45 (18 subjects)] in 21 subjects overall using Finn chambers on forearm skin. The reading was made at 2days and reactions were graded using the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group classification. RESULTS: Nickel levels on the fingers of platers, cashiers, sales assistants, caterers, and even office staff, were at or above the 0·035µgcm(-2) level at which 22% of nickel-allergic subjects will react (after applying a correction). The single open application of nickel study demonstrated a dose-response relationship, with no subjects reacting to ≤ 2·5µgcm(-2) , but increasing numbers reacting at the higher concentrations as follows: six of 21 (28%) at 5·0µgcm(-2) , six of 19 (31%) at 15µgcm(-2) , seven of 19 (37%) at 30µgcm(-2) and 11 of 18 (61%) at 45µgcm(-2) . CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that nickel levels on the skin in coin handling occupations and some others are sufficient to induce an allergic contact dermatitis in some nickel-allergic subjects. A single application of 5µgcm(-2) when read at 2days induced a dermatitis reaction in six of 21 nickel-allergic subjects.

Food allergy in patients with eczema: immediate symptoms are usual, with nuts and tomatoes the major allergens.

BACKGROUND: Food intolerance is a popular notion in the general population but limited data are available on the presence of food allergy in adult patients with eczema. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to characterize food hypersensitivity in this group of patients. METHOD: A retrospective study was carried out on all patients with food related symptoms attending a cutaneous allergy clinic. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our study showed that while the reported prevalence of food allergy in adult patients with eczema is low (10%), more than half of these will show immunological evidence of a food allergy which support the clinical history. Immediate symptoms are usual, with nuts and tomatoes the major allergens. Demographic factors such as age, gender and duration of eczema did not significantly correlate with number of foods or an allergen-specific IgE of ≥grade 2. Food-related symptoms were associated with significant anxiety in all our patients leading to a profound effect on their behaviour.

Future research into the treatment of vitiligo: where should our priorities lie? Results of the vitiligo priority setting partnership.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is the most frequent depigmentation disorder of the skin and is cosmetically and psychologically devastating. A recently updated Cochrane systematic review 'Interventions for vitiligo' showed that the research evidence for treatment of vitiligo is poor, making it difficult to make firm recommendations for clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To stimulate and steer future research in the field of vitiligo treatment, by identifying the 10 most important research areas for patients and clinicians. METHODS: A vitiligo priority setting partnership was established including patients, healthcare professionals and researchers with an interest in vitiligo. Vitiligo treatment uncertainties were gathered from patients and clinicians, and then prioritized in a transparent process, using a methodology advocated by the James Lind Alliance. RESULTS: In total, 660 treatment uncertainties were submitted by 461 participants. These were reduced to a list of the 23 most popular topics through an online/paper voting process. The 23 were then prioritized at a face-to-face workshop in London. The final list of the top 10 treatment uncertainties included interventions such as systemic immunosuppressants, topical treatments, light therapy, melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues, gene therapy, and the impact of psychological interventions on the quality of life of patients with vitiligo. CONCLUSIONS: The top 10 research areas for the treatment of vitiligo provide guidance for researchers and funding bodies, to ensure that future research answers questions that are important both to clinicians and to patients.

Risk management in dermatology: an analysis of data available from several British-based reporting systems.

BACKGROUND: The elimination or reduction of risk is a prime requirement of all healthcare workers. The matter has come to the fore in dermatological practice recently with the widespread use of effective drugs that have significant side-effects (e.g. retinoids, cytotoxic drugs, biologics), the increase in skin surgery, especially for skin cancer, and the extensive use of phototherapies. OBJECTIVES: To examine the available database from different agencies to which adverse events may be reported over at least a 5-year time frame, categorize the risks, look forward to where as yet unidentified risks might exist, and draw conclusions to improve the safety of dermatological practice. This work came about through a request from the National Patient Safety Agency [to the Joint Specialty Committee of the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and Royal College of Physicians] for information on risks to patients receiving treatment or investigation for skin disease. METHODS: Organizations in the U.K. that receive information about adverse events, whether caused by drugs or procedures in dermatological treatments, were approached for information about reported events over a 5-year (or, in one case, 10-year) time frame up to 2009. Data were received from the National Patient Safety Agency, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, the National Health Service Litigation Authority, the Medical Protection Society and the Medical Defence Union. In addition, the results of a survey conducted in 2010 by the BAD of its members concerning potential critical incident reporting were included. The received information was analysed according to category of event and conclusions drawn about how best to manage the risks that were identified. RESULTS: Adverse events were divided into the following categories, listed in order of the number of reports received: drug side-effects (biologics and retinoids), phototherapy dosage, drug monitoring (including initial screening), pregnancy prevention programmes, skin cancer follow-up (including acting on reports), dermatopathological reporting and conduct of dermatological surgery (including management of complications, equipment problems, use of lasers, cosmetic procedures and cryotherapy). Critical incidents reported by BAD members often concerned follow-up failures, e.g. of patients receiving systemic drugs or of those with skin cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Several of the reported adverse events concern systemic failures. Recommendations for risk reduction include the following points: better systems for drug monitoring (including regularity of attendance, provision of sufficient follow-up appointments, acting on results and adequacy of pregnancy prevention programmes); staff training and record keeping for phototherapy; acting on skin cancer multidisciplinary team meeting outcomes (including provision of sufficient follow-up appointments); and adequate training of staff in dermatological surgery including cryotherapy. Regular monitoring of the occurrence of such reports is needed to ensure safe practice and to identify early areas of new risk.

Vitiligo linked to stigmatization in British South Asian women: a qualitative study of the experiences of living with vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a visible condition that is more noticeable in darker-skinned people. Beliefs about illness have been linked to psychosocial adjustment. There is some evidence that such beliefs may be influenced by cultural factors. Surprisingly little is known about beliefs in relation to vitiligo. OBJECTIVES: The study sought to explore in depth the ways in which British Asian women manage and adjust psychosocially to vitiligo, and the potential role of ethnicity and culture in this process. METHODS: In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with seven British women of South Asian decent and analysed using the qualitative method of template analysis. RESULTS: Participants described feeling visibly different and all had experienced stigmatization to some extent. Avoidance and concealment were commonplace. Experiences of stigmatization were often perceived to be associated with cultural values related to appearance, status, and myths linked to the cause of the condition. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study present a unique in-depth analysis of British South Asians living with vitiligo and suggest there is a need for further research to explore cultural associations of disfigurement and of adjustment to chronic skin conditions. Furthermore, they suggest that in addition to individual therapeutic interventions there may be a need for community interventions aimed at dispelling myths and raising awareness of sources of support and treatment.