Contact allergy and hand eczema in Swedish dentists

Hand eczema and contact allergy in Swedish dentists were studied in a multi disciplinary project. The aims of the study were to establish diagnoses, to investigate the occurrence of contact allergy, in particular to (meth)acry lates, and to evaluate certain consequences of hand eczema. A postal questi onnaire on skin symptoms, atopy and occupational experience was mailed to 3 500 dentists aged <65 years, and licensed 1965-1995. The response rate was 88%. Among dentists living in 3 major cities, 14.9% (n = 191) reported hand eczema during the previous year. They were invited to a clinical examinati on, including patch testing with a standard and a dental series. 158/191 (8 3%) dentists attended, and hand eczema diagnosis was confirmed in 149/158 ( 94%). Irritant contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 67% and allergic contact dermatitis in 28%. On patch testing, 50% presented at least 1 positive rea ction. The most frequent allergens were nickel sulfate, fragrance mix, gold sodium thiosulfate and thiuram mix. 7 (5%) had positive reactions to (meth )acrylates, all to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and 6 also to ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate. 38% had consulted a physician, 4% had been on sick-leave a nd 1% had changed occupational tasks due to hand eczema. No dentist with al lergy to acrylates had been on sick-leave or changed occupation. It is conc luded that dentistry is a high-risk occupation for hand eczema, and that ir ritant contact dermatitis is most common. The prevalence of contact allergy to acrylates was below 1% in the population of responding dentists, and in most cases did not have serious medical. social or occupational consequenc es.