Employees of the Surgery Department at a local hospital complained of dermatitis. Symptoms included itching, particularly in the antecubital area of both arms, knee areas, and around collars / axillae. Employees suspected that the rash was caused by wearing scrubs. Methods: A self-administered survey was distributed to 100 employees in the Surgery, Labor & Delivery, and Intensive Care Unit departments regarding job history, working conditions, medical history, and symptoms. We conducted a walk-through inspection of the hospital and contracted laundry facility, and interviews with eleven affected employees. We reviewed Injury Reports for 16 employees, an independent laboratory report, and Material Safety Data Sheets of the products used by the commercial laundry. Results: Sixty-five workers participated. Risk factors reported associated with dermatitis included: using scrubs cleaned at the contracted laundry (OR 2.62, p < 0.144), a history of allergies (OR 4.33, p < 0.04), and wearing an extra-large size scrub (OR 4.18, p < 0.16). Being older than 40 years of age was protective (OR 0.14, p < 0.008). Conclusion: Workers were most likely suffering from a combination of primary irritant and allergic contact dermatitis caused by wearing newer 60% Polyester/40% cotton scrubs that may have had residual detergent present. Recommendations: 1. Wash scrubs at home if the employee is suffering from dermatitis. 2. Use 100% cotton scrubs. 3. Consider a trial of alternative laundry facilities. 4. Ongoing surveillance of rashes.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify different causes of dermatitis in health care workers. 2. Develop an epidemiological study to confirm suspected risk factors
Keywords: Health Care Workers, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.