Prevalence of self-reported hand eczema and skin symptoms associated with dental materials among Swedish dentists

Abstract

In the present study we investigated the prevalence of self-reported hand eczema as well as subjective associations between skin symptoms and composite/bonding or other dental materials among Swedish dentists. A questionnaire on skin symptoms, atopy, occupational experience, and other background factors was sent to a random sample (n=3,500) of all dentists licensed since 1965. This group corresponds to about half of the country's occupationally active dentists. The response rate was 88%. The questionnaire had previously been validated against clinical dermatological examination of subjects reporting hand eczema. The prevalence of dry and rough skin on the hands was high (45%). Hand eczema during the previous 12 months was reported by 13.5%. Dry skin and hand eczema were more common among dentists than in two age-matched general population samples investigated using identical questions. The difference versus the general population was most pronounced (about two-fold) among male dentists. A history of childhood eczema was the most important predictor for adult hand eczema, with a prevalence ratio of 2.4 compared to dentists without childhood eczema. Seven % reported skin symptoms when working with acrylic resins, and 15% had experienced rapid itching related to protective gloves.