(44.4%) workers who were classified as having major
dermatitis showed this type of dermatitis. The first signs
of it were seen in six out of 15 (40.0%) workers who were
classified as having minor dermatitis.
A positive patch test reaction for tulipalin A 0.01% pet.
was found in four (8.3%) workers. However, 28 (58.4%)
workers responded positively on tulipalin A 0.005% aq.
Three of the eight 3 + reactions were regarded as irritative
and for that reason 25 (52.1%) workers were
interpreted as being sensitized for tulipalin A, which is
17.1% (25/146) of the total population (Table 4).
There was no significant difference in sensitization
between men and women (x2
= 2.01, p = 0.16), although
the percentage sensitized for tulipalin A was somewhat
higher for men. Half of the employers with 'chronic
palmar irritant dermatitis' were sensitized.
The results of patch testing with the European Standard
Series did not show any present relevance (positive
reactions in three persons: nickel sulphate, thiuram mix
and caine mix).
Based on the history in combination with the dermatologic
examination, it was expected that 25/55 (45.5%)
workers were sensitized for tulipalin A. The patch test
results showed that this was wrong in 8/48 (16.7%) who