Occupational contact urticaria and protein contact dermatitis: causes and concomitant airway diseases.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Contact urticaria (CU) and protein contact dermatitis (PCD) are mainly induced by an immediate, IgE-mediated immunological mechanism. Immediate sensitization is also linked to asthma and/or allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVES:

To report causes of work-induced CU and PCD, and to evaluate the occurrence of concomitant airway diseases.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed the patient files of cases diagnosed with CU or PCD at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health during 1995-2011. We obtained data on occupation, exposures, clinical and immunological test results, and diagnosed occupational skin and respiratory diseases.

RESULTS:

Altogether, 291 cases of occupational CU or PCD were diagnosed during the study period. The most common causes were flour, cow dander, natural rubber latex and acid anhydrides. Concomitant occupational asthma caused by the same agent as the skin disease was detected in 60 patients (21%), and occupational rhinitis was detected in 111 patients (38%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Almost half of the patients (46%) with occupational CU and PCD had concomitant occupational airway disease. Patients with CU/PCD should always be asked about respiratory symptoms, and preventive measures at the workplace should include protection of both the skin and the airways.

• Authors: Eva Helaskoski, Hille Suojalehto, Outi Kuuliala, Kristiina Aalto-Korte
• Journal: Contact dermatitis (Contact Dermatitis) Vol. 77 Issue 6 Pg. 390-396 (Dec 2017) ISSN: 1600-0536 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 28795430 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Topics

• Adult
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (etiology)
• Dermatitis, Occupational (etiology)
• Female
• Finland
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Retrospective Studies
• Skin Tests
• Urticaria (chemically induced)