Epikutantest-ergebnisse mit der Europäischen standardreihe bei patienten mit berufsbedingtem kontaktekzem in Europa: Ergebnisse des ESSCA netzwerks 2002 - 2010. [Patch test results with the European baseline series among patients with occupational dermatitis across Europe: Analyses of the ESSCA network, 2002 - 2010]

Background: Occupational contact dermatitis is one of the most common occupational diseases in Europe. In order to develop efficient preventive measures, detailed and up-to-date data on the incidence, main causes and professions at risk of occupational contact dermatitis are needed. Objectives: To describe the pattern of patch test reactivity to allergens in the European baseline series in patients with occupational dermatitis in different occupations. Methods: We analyzed data collected by the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergy network (ESSCA) from 2002 to 2010, from 11 European countries. Results: Allergens in the European Baseline Series associated with an at least doubled risk of occupational dermatitis include thiuram rubber chemicals, epoxy resin, and the antimicrobial chloromethylisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone. Conclusions: When planning and implementing measures aiming to prevent occupational contact dermatitis, the focus should be on high-risk occupational groups and particularly the most common occupational allergies. Patch testing solely with the baseline series is not adequate in diagnostic work-up of occupational contact dermatitis. Special series and, as appropriate, materials from the workplace must be included in the test programme.