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. 2022 Sep;87(3):247-257.
doi: 10.1111/cod.14146. Epub 2022 May 30.

Skin symptoms in veterinary assistant staff and veterinarians: A cross-sectional study

Alexandra Beine  1 , Michal Gina  1 , Frank Hoffmeyer  1 , Anne Lotz  1 , Christoph Nöllenheidt  1 , Eva Zahradnik  1 , Ingrid Sander  1 , Olaf Kleinmüller  2 , Manigé Fartasch  1 , Albert Nienhaus  2   3 , Monika Raulf  1
Affiliations

Skin symptoms in veterinary assistant staff and veterinarians: A cross-sectional study

Alexandra Beine et al. Contact Dermatitis. 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Veterinary assistants and veterinarians are at an increased risk of developing an occupational skin disease, for example, irritant/allergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria and hand eczema (HE).

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of skin problems and the influence of predisposing factors especially among veterinary assistants.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among veterinary assistant staff (n = 103) and veterinarians (n = 19). A questionnaire, specific IgE determination and photographs of hands were evaluated for skin symptoms. Logistic regression models assessed predisposing factors.

Results: Over 50% (n = 62/122) of our study population reported hand eczema (HE) in the last 12 months (1-year prevalence). Twenty-seven subjects reported redness and contact urticaria directly after animal contact, 35 had a positive history of allergic contact dermatitis. HE was associated with (i) increased frequency of hand washing (11-15 times per day; OR 4.15, confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.18-14.6, p = 0.027, univariate model) and (ii) unprotected contact to fluids and tensides >5 times per day (OR 4.56, CI 95% 1.53-13.6, multivariate model).

Conclusions: We observed a high prevalence of self-reported HE among staff in veterinary practices. Excessive hand washing, unprotected contact with irritants and long-term glove use should be avoided.

Keywords: contact urticaria; hand eczema; irritant and allergic contact dermatitis; occupational skin disease; veterinary staff.

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References

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