Occupational contact dermatitis. Recognition and management.

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) represents 90 to 95% of all occupational dermatoses. The incidence rate of OCD is estimated to be around 0.5 to 1.9 cases per full-time worker per year. However, epidemiologic data are lacking and incidence is probably underestimated, especially in the US. Over the past 20 years, OCD has been the most frequently reported occupational disorder to German social insurance institutions. Critical factors in the management of OCD are recognition of clinical features, knowledge of allergens and irritants present in different occupational fields, knowledge of suitable protection, interpretation of patch test results, and awareness of medicolegal aspects. Management of OCD should be carried out by dermatologists and patch test clinics in cooperation with physicians specialized in industrial medicine. Individuals at high risk of OCD are hairdressers, dental laboratory technicians, other healthcare workers, construction industry workers, metal workers, leather and shoe manufacturers, florists and gardeners, and bakers, caterers, confectioners and cooks.