Research Plus

Healthcare workers’ hand eczema

More than one in five (21%) Danish healthcare workers (HCWs) report a one-year prevalence of hand eczema – around twice that of the background Danish population. The study was based on self-reports from 2,274 HCWs (87% female) at three Danish hospitals. Prevalence was significantly higher among males, younger workers and those with atopy, but not associated with professional group. Eleven per cent of those with eczema had severe or very severe symptoms, with atopy significantly associated with symptom severity.

Contact Dermatitis 2012; online first: doi: 10.1111/j.1600- 0536.2012.02105.x. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2012.02105.x/abstract

Tags dermatitis evidence based practice

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2012/2013 (vol. 09/4) pp41