Contact Allergic Dermatitis to Cosmetics and Topical Anti-ageing Products

The main objective of this review article is to provide an update of the literature concerning delayedtypereactions or contact allergic dermatitis caused by cosmetic and anti-ageing ingredients. We scanfor tips on how to recognize these reactions from the history and clinical signs. The common allergensreported include fragrances and preservatives. Be aware of the new allergens. There is a need to patchtest with some of the heavy metals because of their presence in cosmetics but besides nickel, cobaltand occasional mercury, heavy metals do not frequently cause allergic contact dermatitis. They aredangerous because of their systemic toxicity on other internal organs. It is important to recognizethe source of the contact allergens that have been documented in various continents. Reports fromAsian countries (India, China, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan) have been included to increasethe awareness of cosmetic induced contact allergic dermatitis in this region. This knowledge uponreflections may assist us in our own daily practice.

Work Environment and Hand Dermatitis among Nurses in a Chinese Teaching Hospital

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the working environment on hand dermatitis (HD) prevalence among nurses in a Chinese teaching hospital. Methods: We utilised a previously validated, self-reporting survey which was translated into Chinese. Results: The prevalence of HD among nurses was 18.3%, although this rate varied between departments, ranging from 9.4% in gynaecology to 26.7% in intensive care (P for Trend=0.3167). Logistic regression indicated that wet work was the most important HD risk factor, with a 9-fold increase (OR 9.0, 95%CI 1.2−74.9, P=0.0342). Allergic disease was also related to HD, with a 4.6-fold increase noted (OR 4.6, 95%CI 1.4−15.0, P=0.0096). Conclusions: Overall, the prevalence of HD among Chinese hospital nurses appears to be less than that of their foreign counterparts. Nevertheless, the burden of this disease does seem to vary with respect to department of employment within the hospital.

Work environment and hand dermatitis among nurses in a Chinese teaching hospital

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the working environment on hand dermatitis (HD) prevalence among nurses in a Chinese teaching hospital.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We utilised a previously validated, self-reporting survey which was translated into Chinese.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence of HD among nurses was 18.3%, although this rate varied between departments, ranging from 9.4% in gynaecology to 26.7% in intensive care (P for Trend=0.3167). Logistic regression indicated that wet work was the most important HD risk factor, with a 9-fold increase (OR 9.0, 95% CI 1.2-74.9, P=0.0342). Allergic disease was also related to HD, with a 4.6-fold increase noted (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.4-15.0, P=0.0096).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Overall, the prevalence of HD among Chinese hospital nurses appears to be less than that of their foreign counterparts. Nevertheless, the burden of this disease does seem to vary with respect to depertment of employment within the hospital.</p>