Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Airborne Occupational Contact Dermatoses

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Handbook of Occupational Dermatoses

Part of the book series: Updates in Clinical Dermatology ((UCD))

  • 201 Accesses

Abstract

Occupational airborne contact dermatoses are caused by exposure to particles available in the air. Depending on the underlying pathomechanism (Type I or IV hypersensitivity) and the particle properties (allergic or irritant), they are classified as airborne irritant contact dermatitis, airborne allergic contact dermatitis, and airborne contact urticaria. Occupational, environmental, and personal factors such as atopy increases the risk of occurrence. The list of allergens associated with airborne contact dermatoses is comprehensive and will be discussed shortly in this chapter. The management primarily depends on the identification and avoidance of the allergens and irritants. In addition, the use of protective equipment, topical and systemic anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive therapy might be indicated to provide disease control.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Huygens S, Goossens A. An update on airborne contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2001;44:1–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Swinnen I, Goossens A. An update on airborne contact dermatitis: 2007-2011. Contact Dermatitis. 2013;68:232–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Özkaya E, Elinç Aslan MS. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis: a 24-year, retrospective cohort study from Turkey. Contact Dermatitis. 2021;85:503–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Breuer K, Uter W, Geier J. Epidemiological data on airborne contact dermatitis - results of the IVDK. Contact Dermatitis. 2015;73:239–47.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Swinnen I, Ghys K, Kerre S, Constandt L, Goossens A. Occupational airborne contact dermatitis from benzodiazepines and other drugs. Contact Dermatitis. 2014;70:227–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Ferran M, Giménez-Arnau A, Luque S, Berenguer N, Iglesias M, Pujol RM. Occupational airborne contact dermatitis from sporadic exposure to tetrazepam during machine maintenance. Contact Dermatitis. 2005;52:173–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Schloemer JA, Zirwas MJ, Burkhart CG. Airborne contact dermatitis: common causes in the USA. Int J Dermatol. 2015;54:271–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Lachapelle JM. Industrial airborne irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis. 1986;14:137–45.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Lachapelle J-M. Environmental airborne contact dermatoses. Rev Environ Health. 2014;29:221–31.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Goossens A. Airborne dermatosis. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2006;14:153–5.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Bonamonte D, Romita P, Filoni A, Angelini G, Foti C. Airborne contact dermatitis. Open Dermatol J. 2020;14:31–7.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Ghosh S. Airborne-contact dermatitis of non-plant origin: an overview. Indian J Dermatol. 2011;56:711–4.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Staser K, Ezra N, Sheehan MP, Mousdicas N. The beak sign: a clinical clue to airborne contact dermatitis. Dermat Contact Atopic Occup Drug. 2014;25:97–8.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Giménez-Arnau AM. Contact urticaria syndrome: how it is clinically manifested and how to diagnose it. In: Gimenez-Arnau AM, Maibach HI, editors. Contact Urticaria. 1st ed. CRC Press; 2014. p. 21–8.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  15. Amaro C, Goossens A. Immunological occupational contact urticaria and contact dermatitis from proteins: a review. Contact Dermatitis. 2008;58:67–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Charous BL, Schuenemann PJ, Swanson MC. Passive dispersion of latex aeroallergen in a healthcare facility. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2000;85:285–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Swanson MC, Bubak ME, Hunt LW, Yunginger JW, Warner MA, Reed CE. Quantification of occupational latex aeroallergens in a medical center. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1994;94:445–51.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Bensefa-Colas L, Telle-Lamberton M, Faye S, Bourrain J-L, Crépy M-N, Lasfargues G, Choudat D, RNV3P members M, Momas I. Occupational contact urticaria: lessons from the French National Network for occupational disease vigilance and prevention (RNV3P). Br J Dermatol. 2015;173:1453–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Valks R, Conde-Salazar L, Cuevas M. Allergic contact urticaria from natural rubber latex in healthcare and non-healthcare workers. Contact Dermatitis. 2004;50:222–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Armentia A, Alvarez R, Moreno-González V, et al. Occupational airborne contact urticaria, anaphylaxis and asthma in farmers and agronomists due to Bruchus pisorum. Contact Dermatitis. 2020;83:466–74.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Camacho I, Rajabi-Estarabadi A, Eber AE, Griggs JW, Margaret SI, Nouri K, Tosti A. Fiberglass dermatitis: clinical presentations, prevention, and treatment - a review of literatures. Int J Dermatol. 2019;58:1107–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Lachapelle J-M. Airborne contact dermatitis. In: John SM, Johansen JD, Rustemeyer T, Elsner P, Maibach HI, editors. Kanerva’s occupational dermatology. 3rd ed. Cham: Springer Nature; 2020. p. 229–40.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  23. Kimyon RS, Warshaw EM. Airborne allergic contact dermatitis: management and responsible allergens on the American contact dermatitis society Core series. Dermatitis. 2019;30:106–15.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Perper M, Cervantes J, Eber AE, Tosti A. Airborne contact dermatitis caused by fragrance diffusers in Uber cars. Contact Dermatitis. 2017;77:116–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Ackermann L, Aalto-Korte K, Jolanki R, Alanko K. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cinnamon including one case from airborne exposure. Contact Dermatitis. 2009;60:96–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Garrido Fernández S, Fernández SG, Arroabarren Alemán E, et al. Direct and airborne contact dermatitis from propolis in beekeepers. Contact Dermatitis. 2004;50:320–1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Bhatia R, Sharma VK. Occupational dermatoses: an Asian perspective. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2017;83:525–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Geier J, Krautheim A, Fuchs T. Airborne allergic contact dermatitis in a parquet fitter. Contact Dermatitis. 2012;67:106–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Geier J, Lessmann H, Reinecke S. Occupational airborne allergic contact dermatitis in a concrete repair worker. Contact Dermatitis. 2009;60:50–1.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Hickey JR, Sansom JE. Allergic contact dermatitis following airborne exposure to methacrylates used in the manufacture of artificial skin. Contact Dermatitis. 2003;49:221.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Maio P, Carvalho R, Amaro C, Santos R, Cardoso J. Allergic contact dermatitis from sculptured acrylic nails: special presentation with an airborne pattern. Dermatology reports. 2012;4:e6.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  32. Schwensen JF, Menné T, Johansen JD, Thyssen JP. Persistent periorbital allergic contact dermatitis in a dental technician caused by airborne thiuram exposure. Contact Dermatitis. 2015;73:321–2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Jensen P, Menné T, Thyssen JP. Allergic contact dermatitis in a nurse caused by airborne rubber additives. Contact Dermatitis. 2011;65:54–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Kanerva L, Alanko K, Jolanki R, Estlander T. Laboratory assistant’s occupational allergic airborne contact dermatitis from nickel presenting as rosacea. Eur J Dermatology. 1999;9:397–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Handfield-Jones S, Boyle J, Harman RR. Contact allergy caused by metal sprays. Contact Dermatitis. 1987;16:44–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Estlander T, Kari O, Jolanki R, Kanerva L. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis and blepharoconjunctivitis caused by gold. Contact Dermatitis. 1998;38:40–1.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Zirwas MJ, Hamann D, Warshaw EM, et al. Epidemic of isothiazolinone allergy in North America: prevalence data from the north American contact dermatitis group, 2013-2014. Dermatitis. 2017;28:204–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Lundov MD, Mosbech H, Thyssen JP, Menné T, Zachariae C. Two cases of airborne allergic contact dermatitis caused by methylisothiazolinone in paint. Contact Dermatitis. 2011;65:176–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Amsler E, Aerts O, Raison-Peyron N, et al. Airborne allergic contact dermatitis caused by isothiazolinones in water-based paints: a retrospective study of 44 cases. Contact Dermatitis. 2017;77:163–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Lundov MD, Kolarik B, Bossi R, Gunnarsen L, Johansen JD. Emission of isothiazolinones from water-based paints. Environ Sci Technol. 2014;48:6989–94.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Alarcón M, Herrera-Mozo I, Nogué S, Sanz-Gallen P. Occupational airborne contact dermatitis from proton pump inhibitors. Immunol: Curr. Allergy Clin; 2014. p. 27.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Corazza M, Baldo F, Osti F, Virgili A. Airborne allergic contact dermatitis due to budesonide from professional exposure. Contact Dermatitis. 2008;59:318–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Friis UF, Menné T, Flyvholm MA, Bonde JPE, Johansen JD. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis diagnosed by a systematic stepwise exposure assessment of allergens in the work environment. Contact Dermatitis. 2013;69:153–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Higuero NC, Igea JM, de la Hoz B. Latex allergy: position paper. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2012;22:313–30.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Liu C, Ko M-J, Lin R-Y, Lee M-S. Fiberglass (glass wool) dermatitis: rapid diagnoses using simple polarized microscope. Dermatologica Sin. 2020;38:256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Company-Quiroga J, Alique-García S, Esteban-Garrido E, Rojas-Farias FE, Garrido-Ríos AA, Córdoba S, Borbujo J. Skin stripping technique: a diagnostic clue for fiberglass dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80:e141–2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Marks R, Dawber RP. Skin surface biopsy: an improved technique for the examination of the horny layer. Br J Dermatol. 1971;84:117–23.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Walls AC, Silvestri DL. Prevention of airborne propolis-induced allergic contact dermatitis with barrier cream. Dermat contact, atopic, Occup drug. 2012;23:128–9.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Verma KK, Sethuraman G, Kalavani M. Weekly azathioprine pulse versus daily azathioprine in the treatment of Parthenium dermatitis: a non-inferiority randomized controlled study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2015;81:251–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Sharma VK, Bhat R, Sethuraman G, Manchanda Y. Treatment of parthenium dermatitis with methotrexate. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;57:118–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Verma KK, Bhari N, Kutar BMRN. Rapid response to ciclosporin in patients with Parthenium dermatitis: a preliminary study. Contact Dermatitis. 2021;84:134–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey

    Andac Salman

Authors
  1. Andac Salman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Universitat Autònoma and Universitat Pompeu Fabra de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

    Ana M. Giménez-Arnau

  2. Department of Dermatology, UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Howard I. Maibach

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Salman, A. (2023). Airborne Occupational Contact Dermatoses. In: Giménez-Arnau, A.M., Maibach, H.I. (eds) Handbook of Occupational Dermatoses. Updates in Clinical Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22727-1_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22727-1_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-22726-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-22727-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation