Occupational skin diseases in shipyard workers.

We have determined the prevalence of skin disorders in shipyard workers by means of an epidemiological cross-sectional study. Of 2057 employees answering a questionnaire, 16% reported present skin lesions. The employees in five chosen trades, altogether 355 persons, were seen by a nurse, who referred all cases of present skin lesions to a dermatologist for further examination. Occupational eczema was found in 11% of the 66 cleaners, 10% of the 94 carpenters, while no case was found among the 71 office workers. Of the 20 cases of occupational eczema, 5 were allergic and 15 irritant. The arms and legs were afflicted as commonly as the hands.