ATOPY AS A RISK FACTOR FOR OCCUPATIONAL DERMATITIS

Multiple epidemiological studies have shown that atopy largely and abo ve average exists in patients with occupational eczema. The higher por tion of atopic patients with contact dermatitis can probably be explai ned by the easier penetration of allergens through the atopic skin. Ir ritant contact dermatitis is more common in atopics because of their l ower skin barrier-function as proved by different bioengineering metho ds. Concerning occupation related type I allergies there are no large epidemiological data so far. However, they account for a smaller porti on of occupational skin diseases. Some of the especially risky profess ions for atopics are hairdresser, metal worker, baker, confectioner, c ook, hospital worker and florist. In contrast to other atopic criteria atopic asthma could not be found to be a risk factor for occupational skin diseases.