HAND DERMATITIS IN A SURGEON: A DIFFICULT PROBLEM AND A THREE-PRONGED SOLUTION

Publication date: November 2018

Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 121, Issue 5, Supplement

Author(s): S. Mahapatra, L. Caraballo, V. Dimov, F. Eidelman

Introduction

Hand dermatitis is a common problem affecting up to 25% of health workers, it can be caused by contact dermatitis (CD). CD is categorized as irritant in 80% of patients and allergic in 20%.

Case Description

A 42-year old male surgeon with a history of recurrent eczematous lesions on hands and trunk presented with a recurrence of pruritic rash. The rash had persisted despite using OTC hydrocortisone, triamcinolone and OTC moisturizers. Hand dermatitis interfered with his work as a surgeon. Patch testing for allergic contact dermatitis was positive for 1, 3-diphenylguanidine, ammonium persulfate, carba mix, cinnamic aldehyde, cocamidopropyl betaine, coconut diethanolamide (cocamide DEA), colophony, formaldehyde, fragrance mix, hydrocortisone-17-butyrate, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, lidocaine-HCl and propylene glycol. The glove materials (1, 3-diphenylguanidine, carba mix), fragrances, preservatives (propylene glycol) and topical steroids were correlated with the patient's symptoms. After contact dermatitis was confirmed with patch testing, a targeted avoidance was recommended. Treatment modalities were adjusted. Triamcinolone and hydrocortisone were eliminated based on patch test results (triamcinolone 0.1% cream contained propylene glycol). Symptoms improved with: 1. topical calcineurin inhibitor (tacrolimus); 2. avoidance of irritants and allergens based on skin patch test; 3. use of barrier protection such as cotton undergloves.

Discussion

Hand dermatitis can have a potentially devastating effect on a surgeon's career based on the limitations it imposes on the ability to practice. The three-pronged approach described above can offer a clinical solution to a difficult problem.

https://ift.tt/2R0qwIU