Skin and respiratory tract symptoms in veterinary surgeons.

Chronic or relapsing irritant eczema of the hands was the main complaint in 34 veterinary surgeons. 9 had contact allergic eczema of occupational character. In 8 cases, the allergies were probably due to antibiotics contaminating the skin during the administration of treatment. Contact allergy to penicillin was observed in 5 cases, to neomycin in 2 and to streptomycin in 1 case. Sensitivities to other work-related substances such as rubber chemicals, antiseptics and local anaesthetics were found in 6 cases. Multiple contact allergies, in particular to different penicillins, were seen frequently. Obvious work-related immediate reactions of probable allergic type were present in 10 cases, but were confirmed with positive RAST or prick test in only 2 cases.