Occupational contact dermatitis among young people in Denmark - A survey of causes and long-term consequences

BACKGROUND: Studies on the causes and consequences of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) among young workers are non-existent.

OBJECTIVES: Determine causes and consequences of OCD among workers younger than 35 years of age.

METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 6251 workers younger than 35 years at notification with recognized OCD (response rate 47%).

RESULTS: The most prevalent occupations were health care workers, kitchen workers, nursery teachers, and hairdressers and beauticians. Seventy-six percent still had eczema, and 77% of these had eczema half to all the time over the last 3 months, with 61% evaluating their eczema as moderate to very severe. Fifty-three percent had changed their occupation since notification, and 42.5% had lost their job because of OCD. Allergic OCD increased the odds ratio (OR) for facial or foot eczema, job loss, change in work tasks, difficulties finding work, decrease in income, and sick leave. Age at notification of 25 years of age or younger increased the risk of job loss and feeling restricted in choice of job. Workers in the food industry had a higher OR for job loss, whereas hairdressers and beauticians had a higher risk of job loss and a decrease in income.

CONCLUSIONS: The severe, long-term consequences of OCD notification signify the need for further preventive strategies among young workers.