Skin symptoms in veterinary assistant staff and veterinarians: A cross-sectional study
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Veterinary assistants and veterinarians are at an increased risk of developing an occupational skin disease, for example, irritant/allergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria and hand eczema (HE).
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of skin problems and the influence of predisposing factors especially among veterinary assistants.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among veterinary assistant staff (n = 103) and veterinarians (n = 19). A questionnaire, specific IgE determination and photographs of hands were evaluated for skin symptoms. Logistic regression models assessed predisposing factors.
RESULTS: Over 50% (n = 62/122) of our study population reported hand eczema (HE) in the last 12 months (1-year prevalence). Twenty-seven subjects reported redness and contact urticaria directly after animal contact, 35 had a positive history of allergic contact dermatitis. HE was associated with (i) increased frequency of hand washing (11-15 times per day; OR 4.15, confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.18-14.6, p = 0.027, univariate model) and (ii) unprotected contact to fluids and tensides >5 times per day (OR 4.56, CI 95% 1.53-13.6, multivariate model).
CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high prevalence of self-reported HE among staff in veterinary practices. Excessive hand washing, unprotected contact with irritants and long-term glove use should be avoided.
Bibliographical data
Original language | English |
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ISSN | 0105-1873 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 09.2022 |
Comment Deanary
© 2022 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
PubMed | 35527367 |
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