Association between occupational exposure and hand dermatitis: a cross-sectional study in outdoor patients attending tertiary care hospital in rural background

Abstract

Introduction

Hand eczema is common and chronic dermatological condition. It manifest in various morphological patterns related to occupational exposure of various chemicals.

Aim

To study the prevalence and morphological patterns of hand eczema and association with occupational exposure.

Material and methods

Sixty patients in age group of 15-60 years having hand eczema, attending outdoor department of dermatology were enrolled for the study.

Result

Prevalence of hand eczema was found to be 0.8% of total skin OPD. Commonest aggravating factors being soap and detergents in housewives (66%) followed by cement in labourers (53%) crop harvesting in farmers (45%).

Conclusion

Majority of patients had moderate effect on quality of life (DLQI Score 6-10) due to hand eczema.