Der Hautarzt 2011-10-01

[Endemic air-borne contact dermatitis? Frequent occurrence of a rare contact allergy in a waste collection facility].

C Skudlik, E Meyer, H Allmers, E Domagalski, S M John

Index: Hautarzt 62(10) , 765-9, (2011)

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Abstract

Numerous cases of work-related air-borne contact dermatitis of the face were encountered in a waste collection facility. Potential allergens contained in the dust at the facility could be identified. In 5 of 7 symptomatic workers a type-IV sensitization to p-aminodiphenylamine could be documented. Since there is no commercial patch test preparation for p-aminodiphenylamine available, it had to be prepared for each patient individually. After identifying the allergen, a change in the work routine led to a reduction of dust emissions and afterwards no cases of air-borne contact dermatitis of the face recurred.