Hand and forearm dermatoses among veterinarians

Background  Infectious and non-infectious hand and forearm dermatoses are frequent in daily veterinary medicine. In this specific occupation there is a serious impact of skin disease on the lives and careers of veterinarians. Objective  In this study we clarify the different occupational dermatoses on hands and forearms among veterinarians, using data collected in different dermatological patch-test expert centres in Belgium and the Netherlands. Methods  Instead of questioning veterinarians themselves, which has been done in different studies in the past, we contacted dermatologists in Belgium and the Netherlands, questioning them about their experiences with dermatoses among veterinarians. Results  Seven dermatologists described a total of 58 veterinarians. Infectious dermatoses were described in 12 cases (20.7%). The non-infectious dermatoses (46 cases, 79.3%) can be classified as contact urticaria and as irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Conclusion  While irritant contact dermatitis accounts for the vast majority of hand and forearm dermatoses among veterinarians, contact urticaria and allergic contact dermatitis also significantly contribute to the occupational morbidity. Repeated hand washing, occlusion under rubber gloves, contact with animal protein fluids during obstetric procedures and contact with antiseptic agents, systemic and topical corticosteroids and antibiotics are the most likely causes of hand and forearm dermatoses among veterinarians.