 OCCUPATIONAL DERMATOSES--A PROGRAM FOR PHYSICIANS--Supplemental Slides on Occupational Dermatology Case Studies (Contributed by Dirk M. Elston, MC, U.S.A)
Shoe dermatitis involving the heel.
Clothing dermatitis is commonly the result of permanent press finishes used in the manufacture of uniforms and other clothing items. Detergents and fabric softeners result in a similar pattern of dermatitis. The axillary vault is typically spared, with dermatitis involving the rim of the axilla.
Contact allergy to computer keyboard wrist rests is generally an allergy to a thiuram accelerator used in manufacture of the synthetic neoprene rubber.
Cashew shell oil may contaminate processed cashew nuts and result in contact dermatitis. The oil is used to manufacture brake linings and clutch facings, and the finished products may remain allergenic.
Last update to this page: April 17, 2001
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Elastic dermatitis is commonly the result of allergy to bleached rubber. The offending allergen is formed by the interaction of chlorine bleach and a carba compound in the elastic. Non-chlorine bleach is safe, but all elastic garments bleached with chlorine bleach must be discarded.
Most allergic contact dermatitis becomes evident 48 hours after contact with the offending allergen. Contact urticaria syndrome is an exception to this rule. Manifestations include immediate burning, itching, swelling or vesiculation. The reaction commonly occurs within minutes of exposure. Implicated allergens are generally proteins. This patient experienced immediate vesiculation when contacting proteins in raw fish.
Immediate reaction to epicutaneous patch test with raw fish. Cooking denatures the implicated proteins, therefore cooked fish did not evoke a reaction. Severe reactions may be associated with symptoms of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis may occur during testing, and the physician should be prepared to treat anaphylactic reactions.
