Prevalence of occupational hand dermatitis in U.K. hairdressers.

Prevalence of hand dermatitis was investigated in 60 U.K. hairdressing salons. Exposure variables and individual characteristics were examined for associations with prevalence. 38.6% of respondents reported prevalent hand dermatitis and 72.7% of prevalent cases reported interdigital symptoms. Trainee hairdressers reported an increased risk of hand dermatitis, (RR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.13-7.66), as did those with < or =2 years in the profession (RR = 4.91, 95% CI = 1.09-22.22). There was a positive association between prevalence and frequent use of protective measures (p = 0.04), suggesting that use of protective measures may be a reaction to incidence rather than a precaution. Wet work was significantly associated with prevalence, and RR was increased in those who performed more frequent wet work, i.e., trainee hairdressers. Prevalence was far higher than suggested by the surveillance schemes in the U.K.