Occupational Skin Diseases in the Health Services of the South Moravian Region in 1976-1995

Overview

In the South Moravian region where some 42 500 people are engaged in the health services, in 1976-1995 200 occupational dermatoses were notified. In 1976 occupational dermatoses in the health services accounted for 1.1 %, in 1995 already 19 % of all notified occupational skin diseases. Twenty-two (11 %) infectious skin diseases were notified, nine (4.5 %) chronic radiodermatitis, irritation dermatitis six times (3 %), contact eczema 163 times (81.5 %). Nurses suffered most frequently from occupational skin diseases (40.5 %); auxiliary staff (30 %) and doctors (14 %). Occupational contact eczema’s were most frequently caused by disinfectants (67x), rubber (43x), drugs (26x) and acrylates (7x). Among disinfectants sensitisation was most frequently due to formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, among rubber items surgical and protective gloves.

Key words:
occupational skin diseases in health service - infectious diseases - contact eczema.