A descriptive study of occupational skin disease.

AIM

To describe the types and proportions of occupational skin disease presenting to a private dermatology practice.

METHODS

Patients presenting to a private dermatology practice between May 1987 and May 1993, and in whom a diagnosis of occupational skin disease was confirmed formed the basis of the study. Their files were searched for information on diagnosis, age, sex, and occupation.

RESULTS

Contact dermatitis accounted for nearly 70% of cases. The food, hairdressing, and medical industries accounted for over a third of occupational skin diseases.

CONCLUSION

These results are similar to Australian studies but at variance with European, American and Asian studies with respect to the types of industry accounting for the majority of occupational skin diseases. Nondermatitis occupational skin diseases are not uncommon but often go unrecognised.