S.M. John

A systematic review of worldwide epidemiology of psoriasis.

To inform the WHO Global report on psoriasis, a new comprehensive worldwide systematic review of the epidemiology of psoriasis was undertaken. The aim of this study was to systematically review the worldwide literature regarding the epidemiology of psoriasis, including prevalence and incidence, in adults and in children. A search of 15 electronic medical databases was performed. Using a rigorous systematic protocol, eligible articles were analysed. No language, regional or temporal restrictions were applied. A total of 76 study observations met all eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. The estimates of the prevalence of psoriasis in adults ranged from 0.51% to 11.43%, and in children from 0% to 1.37%. Psoriasis is a common disease, occurring more frequently with advancing age. Limited data on the epidemiology of psoriasis are available. The available prevalence data come from only 20 countries, meaning there are huge geographic gaps in knowledge, especially from low‐ and middle‐income settings.

Relevance of multiparametric skin bioengineering in a prospectively-followed cohort of junior hairdressers

There is conflicting evidence concerning predictors of individual susceptibility to develop irritant contact dermatitis in wet work. A cohort of initially 92 hairdresser apprentices was prospectively followed for 3 years. The association between anamnestic and clinical findings, and multiparametric skin bioengineering data (transepidermal water loss [TEWL], microcirculation, capacitance, pH, sebum, temperature) was investigated. The observation intervals were 3 months in the 1st year of training and 12 months thereafter. Of the 92 apprentices, 6 had already developed hand dermatitis on 1st examination, 20 dropped out or had occupational exposure longer than 7 weeks prior to investigation. Of the remaining 66 participants considered here, 19 (29%) developed moderate or severe dermatitis (“cases”), 32 minimal skin changes, 15 none within the observation period. Average incidence rate of hand dermatitis was 21.1 cases per 100 person years. Atopy score was not associated with the development of dermatitis, nor were the investigated basal bioengineering parameters, including TEWL, in a multivariable model. However, there was a significant increase in TEWL within the 1st year of training in presumptive “cases”. The aim to develop an objective and predictive instrumentary for pre‐employment counselling in wet work, by a combination of (a) clinical and (b) relevant non‐invasive bioengineering parameters, has not yet been accomplished. Skin‐provocation tests employing bioengineering seem to be required. Notwithstanding, work‐related monitoring of basal biophysical skin‐functions may become useful in the secondary prevention of occupational dermatitis.

Association between tobacco smoking and prognosis of occupational hand eczema: a prospective cohort study

Hand eczema (HE) is a common occupational skin disease. Tobacco smoking is known to be associated with adverse cutaneous effects. However, its influence on the prognosis of occupational HE has not yet been studied.

Cost-of-illness analysis of patients with chronic hand eczema in routine care in Germany: focus on the impact of occupational disease.

Chronic hand eczema places a heavy burden on patients, often affecting their ability to work. This paper compares the cost-of-illness and treatment approaches for patients with refractory chronic hand eczema, in relation to whether the disease was occupational or unrelated to work factors. Data from 2 surveys, comprising 310 patients with chronic hand eczema insured by German statutory health insurance (SHI) (including work-impaired patients, work-unaffected patients and non-working patients) and known work-related chronic hand eczema insured by occupational health insurance (OHI). Annual healthcare costs of managing work-impaired patients (SHI) and patients with work-related chronic hand eczema (OHI) were €3,164 and €3,309, respectively, approximately double the costs of managing non-working and work-unaffected (SHI) patients. This analysis shows that the costs associated with chronic hand eczema are affected by the correlation of chronic hand eczema with work, with costs being higher for occupational patients with chronic hand eczema.

Airborne contact dermatitis to tetrazepam in geriatric nurses--a report of 10 cases.

Background  Tetrazepam, a benzodiazepine, is a frequently used muscle relaxant. The most common adverse reactions are neurological and gastrointestinal. Cutaneous reactions to tetrazepam are rare and occur predominantly after systemic administration.

IL1A‐889 C/T gene polymorphism in irritant contact dermatitis

Background  Upon skin contact to irritants, interleukin‐1 alpha (IL‐1α) is released in the stratum corneum as a primary step of skin inflammation. Variations in the IL‐1A gene have been shown to alter the expression of IL‐1α. This may influence the susceptibility to skin inflammation and the development of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).

Occupational skin diseases: actual state analysis of patient management pathways in 28 European countries

Work‐related skin diseases (WSD) are caused or worsened by a professional activity. Occupational skin diseases (OSD) need to fulfil additional legal criteria which differ from country to country. OSD range amongst the five most frequently notified occupational diseases (musculoskeletal diseases, neurologic diseases, lung diseases, diseases of the sensory organs, skin diseases) in Europe.

European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA) : Results with the European baseline series, 2013/14

Contact allergy is a common condition and can severely interfere with daily life or professional activities. Due to changes in exposures, such as introduction of new substances, new products or formulations and regulatory intervention, the spectrum of contact sensitization changes.

Standardization of skin cleansing in vivo: part I. Development of an Automated Cleansing Device (ACiD)

To date, there are no legally binding requirements concerning product testing in cosmetics. This leads to various manufacturer‐specific test methods and absent transparent information on skin cleansing products. A standardized in vivo test procedure for assessment of cleansing efficacy and corresponding barrier impairment by the cleaning process is needed, especially in the occupational context where repeated hand washing procedures may be performed at short intervals.

Is ultraviolet exposure acquired at work the most important risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma? Results of the population-based case-control study FB-181

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most frequent types of cancer constituting a significant public health burden. Prevention strategies focus on limiting ultraviolet (UV) exposure during leisure time. However, the relative impact of occupational and nonoccupational UV exposure for SCC occurrence is unclear.