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Background Occupational allergic contact dermatitis ( OACD) is one of the most common occupational skin diseases in developed countries, but data about its temporal trends in incidence remain sparse. Objectives The aim of this study is to describe OACD trends in terms of industrial activities and main causal agents in France over the period 2001-2010. Materials and methods Data were collected from the French National Network of Occupational Disease Vigilance and Prevention ( RNV3P, Réseau National de Vigilance et de Prévention des Pathologies Professionnelles). All OACD considered probably or certainly associated with an occupational exposure were included in the study. Trends were examined (i) on annual crude numbers of OACD and (ii) on reported odds ratios of OACD calculated using logistic regression models. Results Overall, 3738 cases of OACD were reported and the mean age of OACD cases was 35 years, 52% being women. The most frequent occupations were hairdressers, health care workers, cleaning staff and masons. The total number of OACD cases remained stable over the study period, but increases in OACD related to isothiazolinones ( P = 0·002), epoxy resins ( P = 0·012) and fragrances ( P = 0·005) were observed. Conversely, decreases were noted for cement compounds ( P = 0·002) and plant products ( P = 0·031). These trends highlight specific sectors and exposures at risk of OACD. Conclusions Trends in OACD depend on the nature of exposure. Observed decreases were consistent with prevention measures taken during the study period, and the increases observed serve to highlight those areas where preventative efforts need to be made to reduce skin allergies in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyshidrotic eczema (DE) is a chronic and/or recurrent vesicular eczema of the palmar sides of the hands and sometimes the soles of the feet. The major aetiologies to be considered are atopic DE, contact DE, systemic contact DE and DE due to fungal or microbial allergy. To clarify the role of occupational contact allergens, 59 workers with DE were examined to determine whether they had atopy, environmental contact sensitization and/or contact allergy coupled with work activity. For all, patch testing was carried out using the European standard series and the material brought in by the patients. No significant difference was found between the rate (42.4%) of history of atopy among the 59 workers with DE and that (30.6%) observed among 160 workers with other forms of hand eczema (HE). Positive patch test reactions were found in 72.8% of dyshidrotic patients. A relationship to occupational activity was strong for 18 (30.5%) of them but this rate was significantly lower than that (55%) observed among the 160 with other types of eczema. Results of the present study showed that contact sensitization is as much involved in workers with DE as in workers with other form of HE, even though the relationship to work is significantly less frequent for DE. It also suggests that atopic histories are no more involved in DE than in other forms of HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]