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Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing hand eczema (HE). This can be exacerbated by hygiene measures related to the coronavirus disease (COVID - 19). Using mild skin cleansers and emollients or moisturizers is central in the prevention of HE—especially with increased COVID-19 hygiene regimes. Aims This study aimed to assess parameters important for the acceptance of a skincare concept in HCWs. Methods In this proof-of-concept user trial, HCWs were provided ad libitum with hand wash oil and hand cream during the 6-month period, when occupationally acquired COVID-19 infections among HCWs were peaking in Germany and then surveyed about acceptance of the products using questionnaires. Results Of 135 HCWs, 115 (85%) responded. Skin tolerance of the hand wash oil and the hand cream was rated very good by 63% and 52% of the 115 participants, respectively. Of the 115 participants, 58% and 57% were very satisfied with the hand wash oil and the hand cream, respectively. Conclusions Acceptance of skin cleansing and skincare products in HCWs seems influenced by parameters such as self-assessed skin tolerance and self-reported overall satisfaction. It must be assumed that products are only used as recommended if they are well-accepted. Employers might survey employees about acceptance of products using the parameters identified to adjust concepts if necessary to sustainably contribute to the prevention of HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nickel release from some metal tools in the hairdressing trade has been sporadically evidenced, whereas data about cobalt release from metal tools in the hairdressing trade are lacking. Objectives: To screen metal tools for nickel and cobalt release and to estimate the prevalence of nickel allergy and cobalt allergy in the German hairdressing trade. Methods: Four hundred seventy‐five metal tools in the hairdressing trade were tested in three North German states with a nickel spot test for nickel release and with a cobalt spot test for cobalt release. Seventy hairdressers were surveyed with a standardized questionnaire to collect data about the tested metal tools as well as the prevalence of nickel allergy and cobalt allergy. Results: One hundred thirty‐one of 475 metal tools (27.6%) – 60 of 60 hair clips (100%), five of five crochet hooks (100%), 24 of 40 tweezers (60.0%), 33 of 75 sectioning clips (44.0%), five of 32 straight razors (15.6%), and four of 45 tail combs (8.9%) – released nickel and 10 of 475 metal tools (2.1%) – three of 40 tweezers (7.5%), four of 60 hair clips (6.7%), one of 32 straight razors (3.1%), and two of 75 sectioning clips (2.7%) – released cobalt. Eight of 63 female hairdressers (12.7%) suffered from nickel allergy and two of 63 female hairdressers (3.2%) suffered from cobalt allergy. Conclusions: Metal tools in the German hairdressing trade – with which a prolonged skin contact is intended – release nickel and cobalt in allergologically relevant amounts and thus should be taken into account as occupational sources of exposure to nickel and cobalt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patch testing is the only clinically applicable diagnostic method for Type IV allergy. The availability of Type IV patch test (PT) allergens in Europe, however, is currently scarce. This severely compromises adequate diagnostics of contact allergy, leading to serious consequences for the affected patients. Against this background, the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD) has created a task force (TF) (i) to explore the current availability of PT substances in different member states, (ii) to highlight some of the unique characteristics of Type IV vs. other allergens and (iii) to suggest ways forward to promote and ensure availability of high-quality patch testing substances for the diagnosis of Type IV allergies throughout Europe. The suggestions of the TF on how to improve the availability of PT allergens are supported by the ESCD, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and intend to provide potential means to resolve the present medical crisis., (© 2024 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: Psychological stress alters epidermal barrier function. While intensive studies on the underlying mechanism have been performed in mice, human studies are limited. Non-invasive skin-physiology measures have not yet been directly linked to non-invasive psycho-physiological assessments., Methods: Standard measures of (I) transepidermal water loss prior to and after experimental barrier perturbation via tape stripping, (II) skin surface pH, (III) electrodermal activity, and (IV) heart rate function were taken over a 24 h time period. To document perceived stress, a standardized stress self-assessment questionnaire, namely the Trierer Inventar zum chronischen Stress (TICS), was utilized., Results: Twenty healthy, Caucasian (Fitzpatrick skin phototype I-II), female volunteers (21-32 years, mean age 27, SD = 3.67 years) were included in this study (random sample). Significant correlations were shown for 24 h delta transepidermal water loss changes, that is, barrier repair kinetics (sympathetic activity) and heart rate variability (parasympathetic activity). Further correlations were noted for electrodermal activity and skin surface pH. Perceived stress, as documented by the TICS questionnaire, did not correlate with psycho- and skin physiological parameters, respectively., Conclusion: The presented approaches may provide a basis for non-invasive objective research on the correlation between psychological stressors and epidermal barrier function., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The term prevention includes measures that are used to avoid illnesses or damage to health as well as to reduce the risk of illness or to delay its occurrence. Preventive measures can be classified based on various criteria: temporal differentiation (primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention), context (behavioral and relational prevention), and recipient (general and individual prevention). Health promotion is used when appropriate measures are intended to strengthen and increase human health potential and resources. This includes, among other things, measures to develop health-promoting behavior (empowerment) and measures regarding the planning and implementation of health-promoting behavior (participation). One goal of these measures is generally to increase health literacy. This article describes examples of prevention and health promotion measures for occupational skin cancer (counseling approach for individual sun protection for outdoor workers; "individuelle Lichtschutzberatung" [ILB]) as well as occupational hand eczema within the meaning of German occupational disease number 5101 (outpatient and inpatient individual prevention measures). These are supplemented by the example of outpatient age-adapted small group trainings for patients with atopic dermatitis according to the multicenter evaluated concept of AGNES e. V. ("Arbeitsgemeinschaft Neurodermitisschulung") and ARNE ("Arbeitsgemeinschaft Neurodermitisschulung im Erwachsenenalter"). These examples also address aspects of sustainability and digitalization (eHealth, eLearning) in the areas of prevention and health promotion., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered a high-risk group for developing hand eczema (HE), mainly owing to wet work and contact with allergens at work. To meta-analyse the prevalence and incidence of HE in HCWs, as well as mapping the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and HE severity in HCWs. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 guidelines. Published literature from 2000 to 2022 was eligible based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 18 studies were included. Pooled life-time, 1-year and point prevalence of self-reported HE in HCWs was 33.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.3-38.6), 27.4% (95% CI: 19.3-36.5) and 13.5% (95% CI: 9.3-18.4), respectively. AD prevalence was 15.4% (95% CI: 11.3-19.9). Overall, the majority of HCWs reported mild HE. One included study assessed HE incidence reporting 34 cases/1000 person years. Most studies scored low-moderate using the New Ottawa Scale and the pooled point prevalence data showed broad CIs. In conclusion, the high prevalence of HE in HCWs underlines the increased risk and need for preventive measures for this professional group. There is, however, a need of further standardized high-quality studies., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Due to limited availability of commercial test preparations, patch testing patient's own material (POM) is of great importance to diagnose occupational allergic contact dermatitis., Objectives: To assess the quality of performance and documentation of patch testing with POM in patients with suspected occupational skin diseases (OSD) in Germany., Methods: Retrospective-prospective analysis of protocols of patch tests with POM was conducted between 2013 and 2021 in patients with suspected OSD and submitted to statutory accident insurance institutions. Assessments were done by predefined criteria., Results: Three thousand and four patch tests with POM from 460 patients were included. A full description of the POM was provided in 73.3% of all tests. The test concentration, test vehicle and pH value were documented in 74.3%, 70.5% and 42.2% of tests, for which the respective parameters were considered relevant. One hundred and sixty-one positive reactions to POM were documented. In 72%, sufficient patch testing with commercial test substances was conducted to investigate the positive reaction. In 30.4%, consecutive patch testing of all ingredients of the POM was done., Conclusions: The results not only show considerable shortcomings mainly in documentation but also to some extent performance of patch tests with POM in patients with suspected OSD in Germany., (© 2023 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Due to their professional activities, outdoor workers are exposed to an increased risk of developing occupational skin cancer caused by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation as defined by occupational disease (OD) number 5103. Since the amendment to the Occupational Diseases Ordinance ("Berufskrankheitenverordnung", BKV) in 2015, squamous cell carcinomas or multiple actinic keratoses of the skin caused by natural UV radiation in outdoor workers in Germany can be recognized as occupational disease in the sense of OD number 5103. The main cause of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is solar UV radiation; it is the most relevant occupational carcinogen in terms of the number of exposed workers (i.e., outdoor workers). Circumstances associated with climate change include increased terrestrial UV radiation, an increase in the number of cloudless days and therefore the number of hours of direct sunshine, adverse meteorological effects to the stratospheric ozone layer, and so-called low ozone events and associated more intense UV radiation. In the future, comprehensive considerations will have to be made as to how prevention concepts can be effectively designed to avoid the development of occupational skin cancer in outdoor workers. The treatment of future cases of skin cancer will be a particular challenge due to their high number and only a limited number of dermatologists available. Hopefully, prevention of skin cancer will become even more important in the future., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: Hair cosmetic products contain several, partly potent contact allergens, including excipients like preservatives. Hand dermatitis in hairdressers is common, scalp and face dermatitis in clients or self-users (summarised here as 'consumers') may be severe., Objective: To compare frequencies of sensitization to hair cosmetic ingredients and other selected allergens between female patch tested patients working as hairdressers and consumers without professional background, respectively, who were tested for suspected allergic contact dermatitis to such products., Methods: Patch test and clinical data collected by the IVDK (https://www.ivdk.org) between 01/2013 and 12/2020 were descriptively analysed, focusing on age-adjusted sensitization prevalences in the two subgroups., Results: Amongst the 920 hairdressers (median age: 28 years, 84% hand dermatitis) and 2321 consumers (median age: 49 years, 71.8% head/face dermatitis), sensitization to p-phenylenediamine (age-standardised prevalence: 19.7% and 31.6%, respectively) and toluene-2,5-diamine (20 and 30.8%) were most common. Contact allergy to other oxidative hair dye ingredients was also more commonly diagnosed in consumers, whereas ammonium persulphate (14.4% vs. 2.3%) and glyceryl thioglycolate (3.9 vs. 1.2%) as well as most notably methylisothiazolinone (10.5% vs. 3.1%) were more frequent allergens in hairdressers., Conclusions: Hair dyes were the most frequent sensitizers both in hairdressers and in consumers; however, as indication for patch testing may differ, prevalences cannot directly be compared. The importance of hair dye allergy is evident, often with marked coupled reactivity. Workplace and product safety need to be further improved., (© 2023 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Teledermatology has become very popular, and not only due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Patients with occupational skin diseases (OSDs) could also benefit from teledermatology services as part of their follow-up care, but the opportunities and challenges for patients and dermatologists, especially regarding quality and satisfaction, need exploration. In this single-center feasibility study, 215 patients taking part in a tertiary prevention program for OSD were invited to participate. After obtaining consent, a follow-up video consultation appointment with the center's dermatologists was made. Quality and satisfaction with the consultations were evaluated by fully standardized online questionnaires filled in by the patients and dermatologists. A total of 68 teledermatological follow-up consultations were conducted by 10 dermatologists on 42 patients. Half of the dermatologists (50.0%) and 87.6% of the patients were satisfied with the video consultations. However, the lack of physical examination seems to be a problem, especially from the physicians' point of view (75.8%). A total of 66.1% of the dermatologists and 87.5% of the patients saw video consultations as useful supplements to face-to-face consultations. The results of our feasibility study indicate general satisfaction of patients and physicians with teledermatological sessions in occupational dermatology, especially as a useful supplement to face-to-face consultation.

Since January 1, 2021, recognition of occupational hand eczema as an occupational disease (OD) No. 5101 has been made significantly easier by eliminating the obligation to cease and desist work in the eczema-eliciting job. As a result of this change in OD law, an occupational disease can now also be recognized if the patient continues the (eczema-eliciting) work. This results in a significantly higher liability for accident insurance companies to enable high-quality care for affected patients by the dermatologist-and this, if necessary, in the long term until retirement. The number of recognized OD No. 5101 cases has already increased tenfold (around 4000 cases per year). Work-related hand eczema must be treated as quickly as possible in order to avoid a protracted course of the disease and job loss. Accordingly, those affected should be reported quickly to the accident insurance (dermatologist's report and/or OD notification). After the notification, in addition to the granting of outpatient treatment, the reporting dermatologist has an extensive range of preventive measures available (including skin protection seminars and inpatient treatment). In addition, there are no prescription fees and even basic skin care can be prescribed ("basic therapy"). The extra-budgetary care of hand eczema as a recognized occupational disease is associated with many advantages for the dermatologist's practice and the patient., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Skin cancer has become a substantial matter of public health and in the workplace, accounting for a significant share of all reported occupational diseases. The most important external factor in the development of skin cancer is exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. Outdoor workers have already been identified as a high-risk category. The need for interventions to improve the sun protection behavior of outdoor workers has recently been understood. Outdoor workers' risk perceptions and attitudes toward sun protection methods are likely to influence practical sun protection behavior at work, and despite the fact that many workers have expressed interest in improving their sun protection behavior, outdoor workers' unique needs are still neglected. Occupational dermatology is predicted to become more concerned with photoprotection in the decades ahead. Preventive action against the rapidly increasing number skin cancer cases is in great demand around the globe. In terms of preventive measures, the full range of available options should be used as needed to address the current difficulties in a goal-oriented way. This will almost certainly only be achievable if preventative efforts on a collective and individual level are successfully paired with support from policymakers to inspire long-term change., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose of Review: This study aims to provide an overview on current knowledge on occupational allergic diseases in hairdressers and up-to-date perspectives of prevention., Recent Findings: Hand eczema (dermatitis) is common in hairdressers, often caused by contact allergy to one or multiple small molecules (haptens) used, e.g., for dyeing, bleaching, and waving/relaxing or by ancillary substances such as preservatives. Hairdressers, compared to other patch-tested patients, have an up to fivefold increased risk to be found sensitized, e.g., against p-phenylenediamine, ammonium persulfate, and glyceryl thioglycolate. Some of these small molecules may induce respiratory sensitization causing allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, notably persulfate salts. Occupational hazards in hairdressing are well described. This knowledge needs to be put into use for risk reduction, mainly by substitution of allergenic ingredients by less allergenic ones, education, and use of ventilation and suitable single-use gloves., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Introduction: The rising incidence of skin cancer over the years has made it a significant public and occupational health issue. However, skin cancer is highly preventable, mainly through reduced exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which can be achieved by a variety of individual and collective protective measures and interventions. The relative risk associated with different patterns of exposure to solar UVR differs for the subtypes of keratinocyte cancers (KC). Specifically, whether the exposure is intermittent or continuous, and occurs in an occupational or leisure/recreational setting. The main aim of the study using this protocol is to contribute to raising public and policy awareness on solar UVR-inflicted occupational skin cancers in Lisbon. This will be achieved by performing direct measurements of the solar UVR dose received by outdoor workers using a digital platform. Results will likely contribute to further understanding the risk estimates for keratinocyte cancer estimations in this population., Methods: A prospective observational study will be conducted in Lisbon, Portugal. Personal electronic dosimeters (GENESIS-UV system) integrated with a digital platform will be used to assess occupational solar UVR doses of gardeners, masons, and gravediggers of the municipality of Lisbon. Two hundred and ten outdoor workers will be selected to wear the dosimeter for 1 month each, between April and October during their daily working hours. A digital web-based platform that offers private access to information through dashboard visualization will provide information for the outdoor workers and facilitate communication with the participants., Discussion: The expected results of the overall proposal comprise the occupational solar UVR doses, expressed in standard erythemal dose (SEDs) per day of outdoor work for 7 months. Study data will provide outdoor workers with information on their personal solar UVR exposure during their working hours and an estimate of their risk of developing skin cancer. It is expected that the occupational solar UVR doses of the outdoor workers in Portugal will be above the threshold of 1 to 1.33 SED/day, due to the latitude of Lisbon and the nature of the occupations. The results prospectively should flow into the design of adequate prevention campaigns for skin cancer in outdoor workers., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Paulo, Symanzik, Maia, Lapão, Carvalho, Conneman, Dias, Gobba, John, Loney, Pinho, Rodrigues, Strehl, Tenkate, Wittlich and Modenese.)

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the most significant occupational carcinogenic exposure in terms of the number of workers exposed (i.e., outdoor workers). Consequently, solar UVR-induced skin cancers are among the most common forms of occupational malignancies that are potentially expected globally. This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021295221) and aims to assess the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) associated to occupational solar UVR exposure. Systematic searches will be performed in three electronic literature databases (PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus). Further references will be retrieved by a manual search (e.g., in grey literature databases, internet search engines, and organizational websites). We will include cohort studies and case-control studies. Risk of Bias assessment will be conducted separately for case-control and cohort studies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) will be used for the certainty of assessment. In case quantitative pooling is not feasible, a narrative synthesis of results will be performed., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Paulo et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: The burden of occupational hand eczema in hairdressers is high, and (partly strong) allergens abound in the hair cosmetic products they use., Objectives: To systematically review published evidence concerning contact allergy to an indicative list of active ingredients of hair cosmetics, namely, p-phenylenediamine (PPD), toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD), persulfates, mostly ammonium persulfate (APS), glyceryl thioglycolate (GMTG), and ammonium thioglycolate (ATG), concerning the prevalence of sensitization, particularly in terms of a comparison (relative risk; RR) between hairdressers and non-hairdressers., Methods: Following a PROSPERO-registered and published protocol, eligible literature published from 2000 to February 2021 was identified, yielding 322 publications, and extracted in standardized publication record forms, also considering risk of bias., Results: Based on 141 publications, the contact allergy prevalence to PPD was 4.3% (95% CI: 3.8-4.9%) in consecutively patch tested patients. Other ingredients were mostly tested in an aimed fashion, yielding variable, and partly high contact allergy prevalences. Where possible, the RR was calculated, yielding an average increased sensitization risk in hairdressers of between 5.4 (PPD) and 3.4 (ATG). Additional evidence related to immediate-type hypersensitivity, experimental results, exposures, and information from case reports was qualitatively synthesized., Conclusions: An excess risk of contact allergy is clearly evident from the pooled published evidence from the last 20 years. This should prompt an improvement in working conditions and product safety., (© 2022 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Various products are available for lightening hair. There are no data on which applications are actually used in hairdressing, impeding proper estimation of actual exposure and necessary preventive measures., Objectives: To assess information about availability, usage and formulation of lightening preparations in the German hairdressing trade., Methods: A market survey was conducted and hairdressers were surveyed by online questionnaires., Results: Of 783 hairdressers clicking the link, 565 hairdressers (91.2% female, mean age of 40.2 ± 11.7 years) from all German states responded (response rate: 72.2%). The questionnaire survey has shown that available hair-lightening preparations in the German hairdressing trade are (multiple selection possible): dust-free (88.5%) and non-dust-free bleaching powders (22.1%), bleaching creams (41.9%), high-lifting hair colour creams (88.8%) and normal hair colour creams (58.4%). Five hundred eighteen (91.7%) hairdressers favour lightening hair with powder. The market survey revealed that bleaching powders and creams contain potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate and sodium persulfate or combinations of these persulfate salts., Conclusions: Hairdressers are exposed to various hair-lightening applications containing different chemicals. Preventive measures need to address adverse skin and respiratory effects. Implementation of targeted health education already in early career stages (i.e., apprenticeship) seems advisable and can be maintained by refresher trainings., (© 2022 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, focuses on genotoxicity of oxidative hair dye precursors. The search for original papers published from 2000 to 2021 was performed in Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane registry, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety of the European Commission and German MAK Commission opinions. Nine publications on genotoxicity of p -phenylenediamine (PPD) and toluene-2,5-diamine ( p -toluylenediamine; PTD) were included, reporting results of 17 assays covering main genotoxicity endpoints. PPD and PTD were positive in bacterial mutation in vitro assay, and PPD tested positive also for somatic cell mutations in the Rodent Pig-a assay in vivo . Clastogenicity of PPD and PTD was revealed by in vitro chromosomal aberration assay. The alkaline comet assay in vitro showed DNA damage after PPD exposure, which was not confirmed in vivo , where PTD exhibited positive results. PPD induced micronucleus formation in vitro , and increased micronucleus frequencies in mice erythrocytes following high dose oral exposure in vivo . Based on the results of a limited number of data from the classical genotoxicity assay battery, this systematic review indicates genotoxic potential of hair dye precursors PPD and PTD, which may present an important health concern for consumers and in particular for professional hairdressers.

A substantial proportion of all reported occupational illnesses are constituted by skin cancer, making this disease a serious public health issue. Solar ultra-violet radiation (UVR) exposure is the most significant external factor in the development of skin cancer, for which the broad occupational category of outdoor workers has already been identified as high-risk group. Sun protection by deploying adequate technical, organizational, and person-related measures has to be understood as a functional aspect of workplace safety. To prevent skin cancers brought on by-typically cumulative-solar UVR exposure, outdoor workers must considerably lower their occupationally acquired solar UVR doses. Estimating cumulative sun exposure in outdoor workers requires consideration of the level of solar UVR exposure, the tasks to be done in the sun, and the employees' solar UVR preventive measures. Recent studies have highlighted the necessity for measures to enhance outdoor workers' sun protection behavior. In the coming decades, occupational dermatology is expected to pay increasing attention to sun protection at work. Also, the field of dermato-oncology will likely be concerned with sky-rocketing incidences of occupational skin cancers. The complete range of available alternatives should be utilized in terms of preventive actions, which seems pivotal to handle the present and future challenges in a purposeful manner. This will almost definitely only be possible if politicians' support is effectively combined with communal and individual preventive actions in order to spur long-term transformation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Symanzik and John.)

Background: Occupational hand eczema (HE) is common among healthcare workers (HCWs) and has-in some regions of the world-increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to related hygiene measures., Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of an intervention for HE prevention in HCWs during the pandemic., Methods: A prospective, controlled, unblinded interventional trial was conducted in 302 HCWs. The intervention group (IG) (n = 135) received online-based health education and free access to hand cleansing and hand care products. The control group (CG) (n = 167) did not receive any intervention within the study. At baseline (T0), after 3 (T1) and 6 (T2) months, participants completed standardized questionnaires. The Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI) was assessed at T0 and T2., Results: During the observation period, there were no new HE cases in the IG (n = 115) and 12 cases (8.8%) in the CG (n = 136). OHSI values at T2 were lower in the IG (b = -1.44, p < 0.001). Daily use of emollients was higher at work (b = 1.73, p < 0.001) and at home (b = 1.62, p < 0.001) in the IG at T2., Conclusions: The intervention was effective in HE prevention and improving skin care behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic., (© 2022 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) constitute a high-risk group for developing occupational hand eczema (HE). The present systematic review and meta-analysis will compile and appraise evidence regarding prevalence and incidence of HE in HCWs., Methods and Analysis: Systematic searches will be performed in three electronic literature databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science-Core Collection and Embase). Further references will be retrieved by a manual search of included studies' reference lists using snowballing techniques. We will include experimental studies, observational studies, survey-based studies and clinical studies (publications in English, French and German from 2000 onwards) reporting on certified and apprentice HCWs, who actively work in the job. We will look at the following outcomes: Prevalence and incidence of clinically assessed as well as self-reported HE in the style of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire-2002; HE severity (measured by eg, Hand Eczema Severity Index, Osnabrück Hand Eczema Severity Index, Physician Global Assessment or other validated instruments as well as self-reported or by using undefined categories such as 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe'); clinically assessed (eg, clinical diagnosis, UK Working Party's diagnostic criteria, Hanifin and Rajka diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis (AD)) and self-reported AD. We will assess the risk of bias within studies using detailed criteria according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. As we expect heterogeneity in methods and outcomes, we will conduct sensitivity analyses. A narrative synthesis of results instead of a meta-analysis will be done in case that quantitative pooling is not feasible., Ethics and Dissemination: Ethical approval and patient consent are not required as this work is based on published studies. The results will be published in an international, peer-reviewed journal., Prospero Registration Number: CRD42022303044., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: To review the literature on respiratory effects of persulfate salts (PS) or hair bleaches in hairdressers and animal models exploring mechanisms behind PS-induced asthma., Methods: A systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed. Studies published from 2000 to July 2021 that fulfilled predefined eligibility criteria were retrieved. Data were not quantitatively synthesized due to the heterogeneity of study designs, outcomes and methods., Results: Forty-two articles were included. PS are indicated as the main cause of occupational rhinitis and asthma in hairdressers, and one of the leading causes of occupational asthma in some European countries. Bleaching products are indicated as the most important factor for development of respiratory symptoms, lung function decline, and leaving the hairdressing profession. Risk estimates from a good quality prospective study showed up to 3.9 times higher risk for wheezing and breathlessness in hairdressers aged ≥ 40 years than in matched controls, and 20 times higher risk in hairdressers to develop respiratory symptoms from exposure to bleaching powder than controls. Pathophysiological mechanisms of the respiratory response to PS are not yet fully elucidated, but may include non-specific and specific immune responses., Conclusions: Hairdressing is associated with a wide spectrum of respiratory adverse effects, of which bleaching products were indicated as the most hazardous. Preventive measures for reducing inhalatory exposure to PS in hair salons should be re-evaluated, including adopting occupational exposure limits at EU level, and encouraging use of safer bleach formulations., Prospero Registration Number: CRD42021238118., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Increased hand hygiene measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased quantum of hand eczema (HE)., Objectives: To examine the effects of varying washing frequencies using current mild cleansing agents-alongside with the effect of a rehydrating cream-on the epidermal barrier function and inflammatory processes of the stratum corneum(SC)., Methods: Standardized skin washings on the volar aspects of the lower arms of skin-healthy volunteers were performed using the automated cleansing device either 5 or 11 times within 4 h for 60 s each with a standard cleanser, a lipid-containing syndet, or a lipid-containing syndet followed by one-time application of a rehydrating cream. Skin bioengineering parameters (transepidermal water loss, SC hydration, erythema, and SC pH) and biochemical/immunological parameters (interleukin-1α, interleukin-1α receptor antagonist and natural moisturizing factor) of SCsamples collected by tape stripping were assessed., Results: All applied washing procedures provided comparable, mild effects on the epidermal barrier function and skin inflammation., Conclusion: Occupational skin cleansers seem to have improved regarding skin barrier damaging effects. To further corroborate this, a study design, modified on the basis of our findings, applying longer washing periods for consecutive days seems desirable., (© 2022 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

After seawater baths in Antalya, Turkey, a 55-year-old man suffered from Shewanella algae bacteraemia. Imported/travel-related S. algae infections should be kept in mind, also in usually rather cold geographical areas, as patterns of seawater-associated bacilli infections might change due to warming of seawater caused by climate change., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Background: Relevant nickel and cobalt release from hairdressing tools has recently been evidenced. Comparable data are not available for tools used in beauty salons., Objectives: Screening of beauty tools for nickel and cobalt release., Methods/materials: Three hundred eight beauty tools were tested in seven beauty salons located in two North-German states. A nickel spot test and a cobalt spot test were used to test the tools for nickel release and cobalt release, respectively., Results: One hundred forty-three of 308 beauty tools overall (46.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.8%-52.2%) released nickel and 18 of 308 beauty tools overall (5.8%; 95%CI: 3.5%-9.1%) released cobalt. Nickel release was found in 22 of 99 metal tools (22.2%; 95%CI: 14.5%-31.7%) and 121 of 209 tools with metallic parts (57.9%; 95%CI: 50.9%-64.7%); cobalt release was detected in 3 of 99 metal tools (3.0%; 95%CI: 0.63%-8.6%) and 15 of 209 tools with metallic parts (7.2%; 95%CI: 4.1%-11.6%)., Conclusions: Nickel and cobalt are emitted at allergologically relevant levels by a wide range of beauty tools (i.e., metal tools and tools with metallic parts) utilized in the German cosmetics trade. Beauty tools should thus be considered occupational sources of nickel and cobalt exposure., (© 2022 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The safety assessment of cosmetics considers the exposure of a 'common consumer', not the occupational exposure of hairdressers. This review aims to compile and appraise evidence regarding the skin toxicity of cysteamine hydrochloride (cysteamine HCl; CAS no. 156-57-0), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; CAS no. 9003-39-8), PVP copolymers (CAS no. 28211-18-9), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES; CAS no. 9004-82-4), cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA; CAS no. 68603-42-9), and cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB; CAS no. 61789-40-0). A total of 298 articles were identified, of which 70 were included. Meta-analysis revealed that hairdressers have a 1.7-fold increased risk of developing a contact allergy to CAPB compared to controls who are not hairdressers. Hairdressers might have a higher risk of acquiring quantum sensitization against cysteamine HCl compared to a consumer because of their job responsibilities. Regarding cocamide DEA, the irritant potential of this surfactant should not be overlooked. Original articles for PVP, PVP copolymers, and SLES are lacking. This systematic review indicates that the current standards do not effectively address the occupational risks associated with hairdressers' usage of hair cosmetics. The considerable irritant and/or allergenic potential of substances used in hair cosmetics should prompt a reassessment of current risk assessment practices.

Current cosmetic regulations primarily focus on protecting consumers, not the professional user who is subjected to a partly different, and certainly more intense exposure to hazardous substances. Against this background, this systematic review aims to compile and appraise evidence regarding skin toxicity of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA; CAS no. 212-782-2) and ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA; CAS no. 7085-85-0) contained in cosmetic glues used among hairdressers and beauticians who perform nail treatments and eyelash extension as well as hair extension applications. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analysis. In total, six publications from six countries were eligible for this systematic review. A meta-analysis revealed that hairdressers and beauticians have a ninefold increased risk of developing contact allergy to HEMA compared with controls who are not hairdressers and beauticians. Results for ECA are lacking. The results of this systematic review clearly show that-regarding contact allergy to acrylates-it is not appropriate to apply risk assessment for consumers to hairdressers and beauticians who occupationally handle cosmetic glues. The regulations in existence do not adequately address occupational risks for hairdressers and beauticians connected with the use of acrylate-containing cosmetic substances and need reconsideration., (© 2022 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Hairdressers are at high risk of developing occupational hand eczema. Opinions on the health and safety concerns of nonfood consumer products, such as cosmetics and their ingredients, consider the exposure of a "common consumer," which may not account for occupational exposure of hairdressers. As a result, there is a parlous scenario in which serious safety concerns about occupational exposures are present. The purpose of this review is to compare the frequency of exposure to various types of hair cosmetic products among hairdressers and consumers. Database searches for this review yielded a total of 229 articles; 7 publications were ultimately included. The analysis showed that-dependent on the task-hairdressers were exposed 4 to 78 times more than consumers to a wide spectrum of hair cosmetic products used in their daily working life, ranging from shampoos, conditioners, oxidative and nonoxidative hair colors, to bleaching agents. The highest frequency was found for coloring hair with oxidative hair color. Consumer use frequency does not appear to be appropriate for representing hairdresser exposure. The current standards do not effectively address the occupational risks associated with hairdressers' use of cosmetics. The findings of this study should cause current risk-assessment procedures to be reconsidered., (© 2022 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Hairdressers are commonly affected by hand eczema (HE) due to skin hazardous exposure such as irritants and allergens in the work environment., Objective: To give an overview of the current prevalence, incidence, and severity, as well as the pattern of debut and the contribution of atopic dermatitis on HE in hairdressers., Methods: A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Studies published from 2000 to April 2021 that fulfilled predefined eligibility criteria were retrieved., Results: A pooled lifetime prevalence of 38.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.6-43.8), a pooled 1-year prevalence of 20.3% (95% CI 18.0-22.6), and a pooled point prevalence of 7.7% (95% CI 5.8-9.6) of HE was observed in hairdressers. The lifetime prevalence in fully trained hairdressers and hairdressing apprentices was almost identical. The pooled incidence rate of HE was 51.8 cases/1000 person-years (95% CI 42.6-61.0) and the pooled prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 18.1% (95% CI 13.6-22.5)., Conclusion: HE is common in hairdressers and most hairdressers have debut during apprenticeship. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in hairdressers is comparable with estimates in the general population, indicating that occupational exposures are the main factor in the increased prevalence of HE in hairdressers. This warrants a strategic and collective effort to prevent HE in hairdressers., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing enterobacterales (ESBL-E) carriage in the general population of Lower Saxony, Germany, and to identify risk factors for being colonized., Methods and Results: Participants were recruited through local press and information events. Detection of ESBL-E by culture was conducted using ESBL-selective chromagar plates containing third-generation cephalosporins. Identification of pathogens was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF)&#95;technology on Vitek mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted by microdilution (Vitek II) and an ESBL confirmation assay was carried out using a combination disk test. Of 527 randomly collected stool samples from healthy volunteers, 5.5% were tested positive for ESBL-E. Post-stratification for age and gender yielded a similar population estimate (5.9%). People traveling abroad and taking antibiotics had the greatest rectal ESBL-E carriage., Conclusions: Potential risk factors (eg, working in healthcare facilities, recent inpatient stay) did not attribute to rectal ESBL-E carriage as other factors (eg, travelling, taking antibiotics). Rectal ESBL-E carriage within the general population seems to be high., Significance and Impact of the Study: The known risk factors for carriage with MDRO might not be fully applicable to ESBL-E and require further examination in order to develop effective strategies for the prevention of ESBL-E dissemination within the general population., (© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Applied Microbiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society for Applied Microbiology.)

Introduction: Exposure to hazardous chemicals released during hairdressing activities from hair care products puts hairdressers at risk of adverse health effects. Safety assessments of hair products are mainly focused on consumers, but exposure for professional hairdressers might be substantially higher., Objective: To identify and assess available research data on inhalation exposures of professional hairdressers., Methods: A systematic search of studies between 1 January 2000 and 30 April 2021 was performed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and in Cochrane registry, toxicological dossiers of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Commission as well as the German MAK Commission. Studies reporting quantitative data on airborne concentrations of chemicals in the hairdresser's workplace were considered. The outcome was an airborne concentration of chemicals in the working environment, which was compared, when possible, with current occupational exposure limits (OEL) or guidance levels., Results: In total, 23 studies performed in 14 countries were included. The average number of hairdressing salons per study was 22 (range 1-62). Chemicals most frequently measured were formaldehyde ( n = 8), ammonia ( n = 5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) ( n = 5), and toluene ( n = 4). More than fifty other chemicals were measured in one to three studies, including various aromatic and aliphatic organic solvents, hydrogen peroxide, persulfate, and particulate matter. Most studies reported environmental air concentrations, while personal exposure was measured only in seven studies. The measured air concentrations of formaldehyde, ammonia, and TVOC exceeded OEL or guidance values in some studies. There was large variability in measuring conditions and reported air concentrations differed strongly within and between studies., Conclusion: Hairdressers are exposed to a wide spectrum of hazardous chemicals, often simultaneously. Airborne concentrations of pollutants depend on salon characteristics such as ventilation and the number of customers but also on used products that are often country- or client-specific. For exposure to formaldehyde, ammonia, and TVOC exceeding OELs or guidance values for indoor air was observed. Therefore, occupational exposure should be taken into account by safety regulations for hair care products.

Introduction: Nickel and cobalt were not regarded as pertinent contact allergens in the hairdressing trade for the last decades. It was even stated that the relevance of nickel allergy in the hairdressing trade has been overestimated for several years. Recently, nickel and cobalt release from a multitude of metal tools in the German hairdressing trade was documented in two field studies., Methods: Review of two field studies., Results: In 2019, nickel release from 9.2% of 229 tested metallic hairdressing tools was evidenced, and in 2021, nickel release from 27.6% as well as cobalt release from 2.1% of 475 tested tools was detected in overall 30 North German hairdressing salons. Tweezers, sectioning clips, hair clips, and straight razors were identified as nickel as well as cobalt releasing tools. Crochet hooks and tail combs were identified as only nickel releasing tools., Discussion: A variety of metallic tools - which are used daily by hairdressers - release nickel and/or cobalt in allergologically relevant amounts. This circumstance has to be considered problematic with regard to the development of work-related allergic contact dermatitis. Thus, nickel and cobalt should possibly receive greater attention as potential contact allergens in the hairdressing trade., Conclusion: The proven nickel and cobalt release from metallic hairdressing tools might entail legal ramifications in terms of insurance law. In case of nickel and cobalt allergies within the occupational group of hairdressers, metal tools might be considered as feasible sources for nickel and cobalt exposure., (© Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle.)

Objectives: To review recent epidemiological studies investigating carcinogenic or reprotoxic effects among hairdressers who seem to be at greater risk for systemic adverse effects of chemicals released from hair care products than consumers., Methods: A systematic review according to the PRISMA-P guidelines was performed and included studies published from 2000 to August 2021, in which cancer or adverse reproductive effects were diagnosed in 1995 and onward. Data were synthetized qualitatively due to the small number of studies, heterogeneity of study designs, outcomes, and methods., Results: Four studies investigating cancer frequencies and six studies investigating effects on reproduction among hairdressers were identified. All were of good quality and with low risk of bias. Only one of the four studies found an increased risk of cancer reporting nine times higher odds for bladder cancer in hairdressers than the population-based controls. Three other studies investigating bladder and lung cancer, and non-Hodgins lymphoma did not find an increased risk in hairdressers. Regarding reprotoxic effects, numerous outcomes were investigated including menstrual disorders, congenital malformations, fetal loss, small-for-gestational age newborns, preterm delivery, and infertility. Increased risk was found for ventricular septal defect in newborns of fathers working as hairdressers. Furthermore, several indices of poor neonatal or maternal health were significantly associated with mothers working as hairdresser., Conclusions: Despite the scarce evidence that hairdressers are at increased risk of carcinogenic or reprotoxic effects related to their trade, such health risks cannot be ruled out. Therefore, preventive efforts to diminish occupational exposures to hairdressing chemicals should be targeted., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Occupational Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of The Japan Society for Occupational Health.)