Results
In 74 (21 %) of the 356 investigated persons, an
episode of eczema of the hands was diagnosed:
grade 1:
31 persons (26 = 50% male, 5 = 23 % female);
grade 2:
39 persons (24=46% male, 15=68% female);
grade 3:
4 persons ( 2= 4% male, 2= 9% female).
The subdivision of diagnoses in grade 1 is
given in Table 6. For statistical evaluation, the
31 cases of grade 1 were left out of consider ation; we restricted ourselves to the 43 with
hand eczema of grade 2 and grade 3. The
period prevalence rate in this combined group
was 43/356= 12%.
Manifest hand eczema at the time of examination
was seen in 36 persons, giving a point
prevalence of 10%.
Age might be a relevant factor in the prevalence
of eczema, so the age-specific period
prevalence was calculated. Table 4 shows that
especially the age group 25-34 years has an increased prevalence of hand eczema in both
sexes (men 14%, women 30%).
Positive patchtests were found in 5 men and
9 women, which is 19% of all men and 53%
of all women with eczema of grades 2 and 3.
In some cases, more than one positive patch
test was found. The results are listed in Table
5. All positive reactions, except those to wood
tar and chloroacetamide could be explained by
occupational exposure to the allergens. The
cause of the positive reaction to chloroacetamide could not be traced. In the 3 listed cases
to wood tar, allergy to perfume chemicals may
playa role but further investigation was not
possible.