[Overview of five years of occupational dermatology: The role of atopy].

BACKGROUND

The management of occupational dermatitis is often complex and relies on skills in both dermatology and occupational medicine. A bidisciplinary occupational dermatology consultation was set up in 2002 at Brest CHU. The aim of this study is to provide an assessment of 5 years of activity and to discuss the role of atopy.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

From October 2002 to October 2007, 245 patients attended this consultation. 145 files concerning proven occupational dermatosis were studied (age, sex, occupation, dermatosis, allergens and history of atopy). One hundred and five patients completed a telephone questionnaire concerning their feelings about the consultation, the course of their dermatosis and the medicosocial outcome.

RESULTS

The main forms of dermatosis were contact eczema (41%), irritant dermatitis (26%), exacerbation of atopic dermatitis (10%), associated eczema and irritant dermatitis (9%), and other (14%).

DISCUSSION: The occupations of subjects (healthcare, building and civil engineering work, food and catering, agriculture, mechanics, hairdressing, cleaning, printing) and the allergens involved were similar to those described in the literature. The prognosis was poor (48% cure rate). Differential diagnosis between allergic eczema and irritant dermatitis was sometimes difficult and was based on clinical features and allergology tests. A history of atopy was found in 32% of patients and was particularly frequent among patients presenting allergic eczema associated with irritant dermatitis: this may be explained by the physiopathological mechanisms of atopic dermatitis (impairment of barrier function causing contact sensitization to potential allergens).

CONCLUSION

Such a bidiscipinary occupational dermatology consultation has the advantage of optimizing management of these patients. Wider notification of occupational dermatosis would increase our knowledge of the causes of this condition and enable better prevention.