Role of Atopy in Occupational Skin Disease

摘要

Studies were conducted to investigate the role of atopy in occupational skin disease. Questionnaires were developed and sent to facilities with one or more closed cases of occupational skin disease, according to the South Carolina Industrial Commission, and to the workers who represented the closed cases. Employer questionnaires investigated the role of atopic state in hiring and placement of individuals in jobs, the availability of on-site personnel trained in occupational skin diseases, the availability of reference services from the work site for additional medical care, and the importance of contribution factors such as the presence of on-site irritants, preexisting dermatitis, and the use of personal protective equipment. Worker questionnaires investigated personal or family history of atopy, time interval between development of symptoms and notification of employer, time interval between notification and medical treatment, in-facility medical treatment, involvement of a dermatologist in treatment, and the use of barrier creams or hand protection by the worker.