Hospital cleaning personnel were examined for occupational dermatoses. 356 persons were included
in the study. The age ranged from 20 to 63 years with a mean of 40.1 years. The period prevalence
rate of moderate and severe eczema was 12% (10% in men and 19% in women). In 88%, the eczema
was of a duration longer than 2 years. Positive patch tests were found in 10% of men and 53% of
women with eczema. The main allergens were nickel, cobalt, chromate and rubber chemicals. Positive
tests to cleaning agents were rare. One case of contact allergy to sodium dichloro-iso-cyanurate and
one to Iysol were diagnosed. Irritant factors played a major role in most cases (92%). Fungus infection
as a cause or complication in hand eczema should not be left out of consideration: in 2 persons, a
mycosis of hands and/or fingernails was diagnosed.