Role of the atopy score and of single atopic features as risk factors for the development of hand eczema in trainee metal workers

This study was performed as part of PROMETES (Swiss Prospective Metal Worke r Eczema Study) to examine the role of atopy as a possible risk factor for the development of hand eczema in trainee metal workers. In a cohort of 201 young men without any skin problems at the start of their apprenticeship, 9.5% developed signs of dermatitis on their hands within a period of 6 mont hs, The 2.5-year incidence was 23%. We did not find a significantly increas ed risk for hand eczema in those participants with an atopic skin diathesis according to the atopy score of Diepgen et al, (Dermatosen 1991; 39: 79-83 ) Analysis of individual atopic signs and symptoms showed reported metal re activity to have a significant influence on the onset of early skin damage within 6 months, whereas a history of flexural eczema appeared to be signif icantly related to the overall incidence over 2.5 years.