Prevalence of contact dermatitis in car mechanics.

Car mechanics regroup numerous specialties generating a lot of toxic agents . The goals of this survey are: to describe the work conditions, to outline the risk factors. to determine the prevalence of dermatitis, and to know t he measures of prevention. The protocol of the survey consists of a medical questionnaire, a dermatologic examination and patch tests of the standard battery. The prevalence of observed dermatitis is 31.3%, distributed among allergic contact or irritant dermatitis, tattoos and occupational acne, Les s specific dermatoses were found, such as callosities and athlete's foot, P atch tests are positive to chromium. parabens, PPD and to fragrance mix, Th is relatively high prevalence is due to a carelessness about or an ignoranc e of preventive measures. The creation of occupational medicine services in this trade sector appears to be greatly needed, (C) 2000 Editions scientif iques et medicales Elsevier SAS.