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Occupational therapists are expanding their use of custom and commercial soft splints fabricated from neoprene (poly-chloroprene), but little has been written regarding dermatological issues associated with this material. Skin contact with neoprene poses two dermatological risks: allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and miliaria rubra (i.e., prickly heat). Allergic reaction to neoprene is generally ascribed to the accelerants used to manufacture the man-made rubber, specifically thiourea compounds and mercaptobenzothiazole (MET). Symptoms of neoprene-related ACD include itching, skin eruptions, swelling, and hemorrhages into the skin. Miliaria rubra creates small, red, elevated, inflammatory papules and a tingling, burning sensation. Although neoprene hypersensitivity is rare, its incidence may grow as neoprene becomes a more commonly used material. It is recommended that therapists screen patients for a history of dermatological reactions to neoprene or other materials containing thiourea compounds or MBT and educate patients to discontinue splint use if dermatological symptoms develop. Therapists are also encouraged to notify splint manufacturers regarding all ACD reactions.

This national survey was designed to study selected characteristics of entry level occupational therapy students and to compare recruitment variables in technical and professional students. The survey encompassed 116 programs with 1,843 students responding. Major findings include the following: the median age of professional students was 1 to 2 years older than that of technical students: the technical students had the larger percentage of older students; professional level students chose occupational therapy at an earlier age than did technical students; the majority of minority students were enrolled in technical programs; and students’ initial exposure to occupational therapy differed between the technical and professional students: Technical students reported that their earliest contacts with the profession most often came from family friends, college and junior college contacts, high school counselors, and occupational therapy students, in that order. Professional level students reported that their most common initial contact came from occupational therapy students, family friends, parents, a volunteer or employment experience in the field, or health personnel in the field, in that order Survey data form the basis for a discussion of potential expansion of recruitment strategies.