Description:
<jats:p>549 individuals with severe (group I). 406 with moderate (group 2)atopic dermatitis in childhood. 222 with respiratory allergy hut no a topic dermatitis in childhood (group 3), and 199 without personal of family atopy (group 4) were studied as to occupational health symptoms due to hand eczema. In groups 1, 2 and 4, there was a slightly significant difference (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> < 0.05) between the frequency of hand eczema in individual with and without Occupational exposure in chemicals, water, soil or wear (friction). Despite no such work. 55% in group 1 and 44% in group 2 had developed hand eczema About 1/4 of the atopics in extreme risk occupations, such is ladies hairdressers and nursing assistants, had dot developed band eczema.</jats:p><jats:p>Altogether, 9% in groups 1 and 2 and 3% in group 4 had changed their jobs due to eczema, the majority from work with to work without exposure lo chemicals, water, soil nr wear. Social factors had usually contributed to the change. The healing rate after taking up a new occupation was 15% in group 1.36% in group 2 and 67% (4 out of 6) in group 4. The majority of the patients whose eczema had not healed had improved in their new occupations. It is claimed that medical reasons for change of occupation should be carefully weighed against social reasons.</jats:p>