Characteristics and incidence of contact dermatitis among hairdressers in north‐eastern Italy. (10th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piapan, Linda; Mauro, Marcella; Martinuzzo, Chiara; Larese Filon, Francesca
• Is Part Of: Contact dermatitis. Volume 83:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 458
• Page End: 465
• Publication Date: 2020-09-10
• Subjects: contact dermatitis -- epidemiology -- hairdressers -- incidence -- patch test; Contact dermatitis -- Periodicals; 616.51
• DOI: 10.1111/cod.13687
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0105-1873

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Hairdressers are at high risk of contact dermatitis (CD) due to skin exposure to numerous irritants and haptens in hair products in combination with frequent wet work. Objectives: To investigate the characteristics and incidence of CD among hairdressers in north‐eastern Italy. Methods: A total of 324 hairdressers who had been examined and patch tested in north‐eastern Italy from 1996 to 2016 were retrospectively identified, and compared with 9669 matched controls. Sensitization to allergens of the hairdressing series was analysed among hairdressers attending an occupational medicine clinic in Trieste, Italy. Incidence data were calculated from 1999 to 2016. Results: Sensitization to p ‐phenylenediamine, thiuram mix, and N ‐isopropyl‐ N' ‐phenyl‐ p ‐phenylenediamine was significantly associated with hairdressing and with hand/forearms dermatitis. Frequent sensitizers from hairdressing series were ammonium persulfate, toluene‐2, 5‐diamine, and p ‐aminobenzene. The overall incidence of CD declined from 2003 (31.7 cases/10 000 workers) to 2016 (20.8 cases/10 000 workers). Conclusions: Sensitization to several haptens was significantly associated with hairdressing. The incidence of CD among hairdressers in north‐eastern Italy has declined in recent years, but is still high. Preventive efforts are needed to reduce the burden of CD in this professional group. Highlights: Hairdressers are at high risk of contact dermatitis due to skin exposure to numerous irritants and allergens in hair products in combination with frequent wet work. The overall incidence of contact dermatitis showed a declining trend from 2003 to 2016. Contact sensitizations in hairdressers are common and more can be done to prevent them.