Occupational dermatoses in nursery workers

Abstract

Background: Several workers at a nursery complained of skin problems. An occupational allergic contact dermatitis from tulip was diagnosed in 2 of the workers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to survey the frequency of occupational dermatoses among nursery workers and to investigate whether the tulip sensitizer alpha-methylene-chi-butyrolactone traces all contact allergy to tulip.

Methods: A questionnaire was delivered to 41 employees, and everyone with a present or previous skin disease was offered a consultation including patch testing with the known tulip sensitizer as well as two types of tulip extracts and parts of the plant.

Results: Occupational dermatoses were diagnosed in 11 workers, allergic contact dermatitis in 9 workers (tulip and/or daffodil), and irritant contact dermatitis in 2 workers.

Conclusion: Occupational dermatoses are common among nursery workers. All workers with contact allergy to tulip was traced by alpha-methylene-chi-butyrolactone.