# Epidemiological Comparative Study on Contact Sensitisations in Woodworkers With Occupational Dermatitis: Patch Test Data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology, 1999 to 2023

## TL;DR

This study examines the causes of skin allergies in woodworkers with occupational dermatitis, identifying common allergens like resins and plant substances.

## Contribution

The study provides updated, long-term patch test data on allergen sensitization patterns specific to woodworkers with occupational dermatitis.

## Key findings

- Allergic contact dermatitis was the most frequent diagnosis among woodworkers with occupational dermatitis.
- Common allergens included epoxy resin, Myroxylon pereirae, propolis, and colophonium.
- Face dermatitis and airborne exposure were more common in woodworkers than in other occupational groups.

## Abstract

Woodworkers (WW) are exposed to a wide range of occupational hazards and potent allergens.

To describe the contact sensitisation pattern of WW with occupational dermatitis (OD).

In a retrospective study, patch test and clinical data collected by the Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) from 1999 to 2023 were analysed. Data of 471 WW with OD (89.6% male) were compared with data of 558 WW without OD and 39 759 patients from other occupational groups (non‐WW) with OD.

Allergic contact dermatitis (32.5%) was the most frequent diagnosis among WW with OD. Hands (63.5%) were predominantly involved. Face dermatitis (8.5%) and dust exposure (36.6%) as contributing factors were significantly more common than in non‐WW with OD. Sensitisations to epoxy resin (5.5%) were significantly more frequent in male WW with OD than in male WW without OD. Other frequent sensitisations included those to
Myroxylon pereirae
(7.4%), propolis (5.6%), and colophonium (5.3%). Sensitisations to chromium, cobalt, thiuram mix, fragrance mix II and compositae mix II were significantly less frequent than in male non‐WW patients with OD.

Allergic contact dermatitis is frequent in WW with OD. Important allergens include resins and plant‐derived substances. Airborne OD may interfere with prevention efforts.

The data demonstrates that allergic contact dermatitis is common in WW with OD. The most important allergens include resins (including epoxy resin) and plant‐derived substances (including colophonium). The high share of WW with allergic contact dermatitis and face dermatitis hampers preventive efforts.