Relevance of multiparametric skin bioengineering in a prospectively-followed cohort of junior hairdressers

There is conflicting evidence concerning predictors of individual susceptib ility to develop irritant contact dermatitis in wet work. A cohort of initi ally 92 hairdresser apprentices was prospectively followed for 3 years. The association between anamnestic and clinical findings, and multiparametric skin bioengineering data (transepidermal water loss [TEWL], microcirculatio n, capacitance, pH, sebum, temperature) was investigated. The observation i ntervals were 3 months in the Ist year of training and 12 months thereafter . Of the 92 apprentices, 6 had already developed hand dermatitis on Ist exa mination, 20 dropped out or had occupational exposure longer than 7 weeks p rior to investigation. Of the remaining 66 participants considered here, 19 (29%) developed moderate or severe dermatitis ("cases"), 32 minimal skin c hanges, 15 none within the observation period. Average incidence rate of ha nd dermatitis was 21.1 cases per 100 person years. Atopy score was not asso ciated with the development of dermatitis, nor were the investigated basal bioengineering parameters, including TEWL, in a multivariable model. Howeve r, there was a significant increase in TEWL within the Ist year of training in presumptive "cases". The aim to develop an objective and predictive ins trumentary for pre-employment counselling in wet work, by a combination of (a) clinical and (b) relevant non-invasive bioengineering parameters, has n ot yet been accomplished. Skin-provocation tests employing bioengineering s eem to be required. Notwithstanding, work-related monitoring of basal bioph ysical skin-functions may become useful in the secondary prevention of occu pational dermatitis.