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

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

METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

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