The role of atopy in occupational dermatoses.

Hayfever was the commonest symptom of atopy among a group of 134 individuals who had been compensated for work-related skin disease in South Carolina. A history of previous eczema and a history of wool intolerance differed significantly between the group with contact dermatitis and the group with other work-related dermatoses. The rôle of atopy figured dramatically among the more serious cases, accounting for 93% of these cases resulting in job loss.