Ambient Environmental Ozone and Variation of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) in Hairdressers and Healthcare Workers.

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a breath-related biomarker of eosinophilic asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate FeNO variations due to environmental or occupational exposures in respiratory healthy subjects. Overall, 14 hairdressers and 15 healthcare workers in Oslo were followed for 5 workdays. We registered the levels of FeNO after commuting and arriving at the workspace and after ≥3 h of work, in addition to symptoms of cold, commuting method, and hair treatments that were performed. Both short- and intermediate-term effects after exposure were evaluated. Environmental assessment of daily average levels of air quality particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), particulate matter 10 (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) indicated a covariation in ozone and FeNO in which a 35-50% decrease in ozone was followed by a near 20% decrease in FeNO with a 24-h latency. Pedestrians had significantly increased FeNO readings. Symptoms of cold were associated with a significant increase in FeNO readings. We did not find any FeNO increase of statistical significance after occupational chemical exposure to hair treatments. The findings may be of clinical, environmental and occupational importance.

Glove-related hand urticaria. / Hanskerelatert håndurtikaria.

BACKGROUND: Glove-related hand urticaria is probably underdiagnosed and is an important differential diagnosis in suspected cases of contact allergy. CASE PRESENTATION: A nurse in her twenties presented with recurrent immediate-onset erythematous eruption with burning sensation on the dorsal hands after wearing disposable gloves. This occurred irrespective of the type of disposable gloves used. Patch testing, serological analysis for latex IgE and prick tests with latex and different glove materials all gave negative results. Dermographism was demonstrated on her back, and symptoms were reproduced after wearing disposable gloves. Symptoms were less severe when a looser-fitting glove was worn. She was treated with antihistamines and intensified barrier cream, and was recommended to wear loose-fitting gloves at work. She experienced no effect from antihistamines but some improvement from barrier protection. INTERPRETATION: Glove-related hand urticaria should be suspected in healthcare workers with immediate-onset urticarial reaction to multiple glove types, negative allergy tests and the presence of dermographism. Symptoms may be reproduced when wearing a tight-fitting glove.