Hand dermatitis is common in workers in the horticultural industry. This study determined the
prevalence of hand dermatitis in workers of Alstroemeria cultivation, investigated how many
workers had been sensitized by tulipalin A (the allergen in Alstroemeria) and took stock of a wide
range of determinants of hand dermatitis. The 12-month period prevalence of major hand
dermatitis amounted to 29.5% whereas 7.4% had minor dermatitis. Of these workers, 52.1 %
were sensitized for tulipalin A. Several personal and work-related determinants played a role in
the multifactorial aetiology of hand dermatitis. Factors which showed a significant relationship
with major hand dermatitis were: female sex, atopic dermatitis, chapped hands and the
frequency of washing hands. It may be concluded that the Alstroemeria workers are
a population at risk of developing contact dermatitis and it might be useful to carry out an
educational campaign to lower the high prevalence.