Hand dermatitis in dental technicians

Abstract

The incidence of hand dermatitis and contact allergies was analyzed among dental technicians. A survey was carried out by postal questionnaire. It was returned by 106 technicians (88%): 30 had had skin problems, and 20 (19%) had present eruptions. All 20 were invited to a detailed dermatological investigation, hut only seven participated. Epicutaneous tests to prosthetic materials were negative in these patients. The hand eruptions in 4 patients appeared 10 be irritant. 4 other patients (4%). who had had previous hand dermatitis, had a history of positive patch Jest reactions to methyl methacrylate, but they hail become symptomless and refused to participate in further studies.