Hand eczema symptoms, exposures and skin care in orthodontics: A national, cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Bernhard Wiechens - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Philipp Meyer-Marcotty - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Timo Buhl - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Thomas Werfel - , Hannover Medical School (MHH) (Author)
  • Andrea Bauer - , Department of Dermatology, University Allergy Centre, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Christian Apfelbacher - , Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Author)
  • Susann Forkel - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Moritz M. Hollstein - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Stephan Traidl - , Hannover Medical School (MHH) (Author)

Abstract

Objectives: Occupational hand eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition among healthcare professionals. Orthodontists are frequently exposed to a variety of irritating and allergenic substances, and therefore they belong to a predisposed group to develop hand eczema. However, current data on the prevalence and predisposing factors among orthodontists to provide adequate prophylaxis are lacking. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted in Germany between January and February 2023 and distributed to 2402 orthodontists. The questionnaire addressed general information on current skin status, as well as occupational skin exposure and skin care. Results: A total of 209 orthodontists responded to the survey. Seventy-four percent reported experiencing hand eczema-specific symptoms within the last 12 months, with 24% describing moderate and 10% describing severe symptoms. The average daily glove wearing time was stated to be 6 ± 2 h. The most frequently reported triggers at work were frequent hand washing (62.7%) and hand disinfection (59.1%). Among all the respondents, 22.6% stated not using either barrier cream or moisturizer. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of hand eczema symptoms among orthodontists, which is probably due to frequent disinfection, hand washing, and contact with allergens such as acrylates. In this professional group especially, against a background of future increasing acrylate and epoxy resin exposures due to in-office three-dimensional printing processes, timely education and skin protection could decisively counteract the pathogenesis of hand eczema.

Details

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of orofacial orthopedics
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Contact allergy, Epidemiology, Hand hygiene, Occupational dermatitis, Skin protection