Occupational skin diseases in nurses.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the work was to evaluate the incidence of occupational skin diseases in nurses, their morbidity rate, symptoms, possible causes and relation with occupational environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group consisted of 706 nurses of different hospital departments. A questionnaire and collection of information about the use of disinfectants were the main investigation methods. RESULTS It was revealed that 47.3% nurses were suffering from occupational skin diseases. Allergic contact dermatitis was found to be the most frequent (28.5%) disease. Irritant contact dermatitis of non-allergic origin was diagnosed in 8.4% of nurses. The main symptoms of occupational skin diseases were itching and reddening. CONCLUSION The risk of developing occupational dermatitis was increased by working with aldehydes and hydrogen peroxide as well as by using latex gloves and long working hours.