D2.67 - Clinical Profile of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Workers and Factors Associated with Occupational Outcomes

The increased prevalence of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) poses a serious public health challenge, particularly due to its major socio-professional impact. Beyond clinical symptoms, ACD often leads to prolonged absenteeism, decreased productivity, and forced career changes. Understanding the factors that drive these professional disruptions is crucial for improving occupational health strategies . This study aims to describe the characteristics of workers with ACE and identify factors associated with job change.

This was a 5-year cross-sectional analytical study, collecting cases of ACD in active workers who consulted the Occupational Dermato-allergology Unit at Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse. Occupational  outcomes were assessed via a telephone questionnaire at least 6 months after the ACD diagnosis.

A total of 227 patients with ACD were included. The population was predominantly male (sex ratio 1.16), with a mean age of 40.3 ± 10.5 years. Clinically, most of patients (88.1%) had an eczema extent of 19% of the Body Surface Area (BSA). Lesions were mainly erythematous-vesicular (57.7%) or erythematous-squamous (29.5%), primarily affecting the hands (56.4%) and feet (19%). Pruritus was the most reported functional symptom (68.3%). The most frequent allergens were metals (67.8%) and preservatives (10.6%). At the time of diagnosis, the construction sector (15.6%) and the healthcare sector (11.5%) were the most represented. Only 59 patients maintained the same job position after diagnosis. Factors significantly associated with job change were: the occupational origin of the eczema (OR= 2.59, 95% CI [1.302-5.151]), hand involvement (2.155 [1.180-3.937]), and pruritus (1.893 [1.022-3.507]).

This study highlights the substantial impact of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) on occupational stability, emphasizing the need for early prevention strategies like early screening, rigorous allergen eviction, and personalized workplace adjustments. Improving the collaboration between dermatologists and occupational physicians is essential to reduce the socio-economic burden of ACD and ensure sustainable employment for affected workers