4 research outputs found
Diaminodiphenylmethane Sensitization in north-eastern Italy from 1996 to 2012
BACKGROUND:
4,4'-Diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) is an aromatic amine used as a hardener, insulator and anticorrosive. Exposure implies risk of being sensitized and developing contact dermatitis.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of contact sensitization to DDM among patients with contact dermatitis and the role of occupational exposure.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
From 1996 to 2012, 24 056 consecutive patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested in north-eastern Italy. Individual characteristics were collected through a standardized questionnaire in eight departments of dermatology and occupational medicine.
RESULTS:
The overall prevalence of DDM sensitization was 2.5% (n = 599) with a decreasing trend in considered years. Trieste area had the higher prevalence of sensitization (3.2%). Mechanics and chemical industry workers had a significant higher risk of being sensitized to DDM.
CONCLUSION:
DDM sensitization is decreasing in years and is associated with some occupational exposures
Healthcare workers and skin sensitization: North-eastern Italian database
BACKGROUND:
Working in healthcare is regarded as a risk factor for occupational skin disease. Workers are exposed to disinfectants, soaps, detergents and latex and need to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly.
AIMS:
To investigate the association between healthcare work and patch test reactions to various potential sensitizers in a population of contact dermatitis patients in various dermatology and occupational medicine units in north-eastern Italy.
METHODS:
Patients with suspected allergic dermatitis underwent patch testing. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted by age and sex, were calculated for healthcare workers (HCWs), using white-collar workers as control group.
RESULTS:
HCWs represented 14% of the sample of 19088 patients (68% women, 32% men). Among HCWs, both sexes had a higher risk of developing hand/forearm dermatitis (females: OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.8-2.5; males: OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3-2.1). HCWs had an increased risk of sensitization to formaldehyde (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.2-2.3) and to p-phenylenediamine (OR 1.6; CI 1.1-2.3).
CONCLUSIONS:
Our study suggests a significant association between healthcare work, hand/forearm dermatitis and sensitization to formaldehyde and p-phenylenediamine