Abstract
This study assessed the risk of dermatitis, urticaria and loss of skin barrier function in 425 cleaners and 281 reference workers (retail workers and bus drivers). Symptoms, atopy and skin barrier function were assessed by questionnaire, skin prick tests, and measurement of transepidermal water loss. Cleaners had an increased risk of current (past 3 months) hand/arm dermatitis (14.8% vs. 10.0%; OR = 1.9, p < 0.05) and urticaria (11% vs. 5.3%; OR = 2.4, p < 0.05) and were more likely to have dermatitis as adults (17.6% vs. 11.4%; OR = 1.8, p < 0.05). The risk of atopy was not increased, but associations with symptoms were more pronounced in atopics. Transepidermal water loss was significantly higher in cleaners. Wet-work was a significant risk factor for dermatitis and hand washing and drying significantly reduced the risk of urticaria. In conclusion, cleaners have an increased risk of hand/arm dermatitis, urticaria and loss of skin barrier function.
Acknowledgements
We thank the study participants and the Service and Food Workers Union (SFWU) for their generous support, and Elizabeth Harding, Angela Thurston, Leigh Emmerton, Heather Duckett, Kerry Cheung, Michelle Gray, Tracey Whaanga and Emma Nuttall for conducting the interviews, TEWL measurements and skin prick tests. We also thank Professor Pieter-Jan Coenraads for his advice and support at the initial stages of the study.