Objectives: The aim is to study the clinical profile of occupational dermatoses and to assess the impact on the quality of life (QOL; Dermatology life quality index /DLQI) of health care worker (HCW). Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted between 2020 to 2022 that included 78 HCW with occupational dermatoses (OD). Patch test was done using Indian standard series, supplemental allergens, and substances as it is wherever clinically indicated. Results: The majority of HCWs were nursing officers, accounting for 33 (42.3%), followed by doctors, who constituted 30 (38.5%). A significant portion of these professionals, 50 (64%), were engaged in COVID-19 care settings, including both intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU environments. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) was found in 46 cases (58.97%), while allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was identified in 8 cases (10.25%). The remaining cases included mask acne, pressure indentations/erythema, frictional blisters, contact urticaria, contact leukoderma, and Koebnerization of psoriasis. Among the 54 patients who underwent patch testing, 16 were found to be sensitive to various allergens such as fragrance mix and chlorocresol. OD had a mild to moderate impact on the quality of life for most of these HCWs. Conclusion: HCWs are exposed to many irritants and allergens such as gloves, sanitizers, person protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, chemicals(laboratory). In the present study contact dermatitis (CD), frictional dermatoses (FD) were commonly observed. Gloves, sanitizers, mask were most frequently observed contactants. OD had small to large impact on QOL. The importance of understanding OD should be highlighted among dermatologists and HCWs.
Antakanavar et al. (Wed,) studied this question.