Occupational dermatoses in Sharkia Governorate an epidemiological study

ABSTRACT

With industrialization and increased use of new chemical compounds, occupational dermatoses constitute the largest percentage of all work related illness. The aim of this study was to assess the problem of occupational dermatoses in Sharkia Governorate. Six hundred and seventy five workers were included in the study, 160 of whom were in the floor tile plants, 225 in an oil and soap factory and 290 in the road paving station. Complete history taking and dermatological examination were carried out and workers in the floor tile plants were patch tested to test sensitivity to different allergens. We have noticed that the prevalence of occupational dermaloses was about 23.3% ranging from 9.3% in the road paving stations to 63.1% in floor tile plants. The most prevalent type noticed was callosities and the commonest site was the hands. Young age, long duration of exposure, low level of education, fair skin and poor personal hygiene were associated with occupational dermatoses. Finally patch test results confirmed the association of chromium hypersensitivity and contact dermatitis