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Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics / Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie

Open Access 03-04-2024 | Original Article

Hand eczema symptoms, exposures and skin care in orthodontics

A national, cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey

Authors: Bernhard Wiechens, Philipp Meyer-Marcotty, Timo Buhl, Thomas Werfel, Andrea Bauer, Christian Apfelbacher, Susann Forkel, Moritz M. Hollstein, Stephan Traidl

Published in: Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics / Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie

Abstract

Objectives

Occupational hand eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition among healthcare professionals. Orthodontists are frequently exposed to a variety of irritating and allergenic substances, and therefore they belong to a predisposed group to develop hand eczema. However, current data on the prevalence and predisposing factors among orthodontists to provide adequate prophylaxis are lacking.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was conducted in Germany between January and February 2023 and distributed to 2402 orthodontists. The questionnaire addressed general information on current skin status, as well as occupational skin exposure and skin care.

Results

A total of 209 orthodontists responded to the survey. Seventy-four percent reported experiencing hand eczema-specific symptoms within the last 12 months, with 24% describing moderate and 10% describing severe symptoms. The average daily glove wearing time was stated to be 6 ± 2 h. The most frequently reported triggers at work were frequent hand washing (62.7%) and hand disinfection (59.1%). Among all the respondents, 22.6% stated not using either barrier cream or moisturizer.

Conclusions

This study showed a high prevalence of hand eczema symptoms among orthodontists, which is probably due to frequent disinfection, hand washing, and contact with allergens such as acrylates. In this professional group especially, against a background of future increasing acrylate and epoxy resin exposures due to in-office three-dimensional printing processes, timely education and skin protection could decisively counteract the pathogenesis of hand eczema.

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Title: Hand eczema symptoms, exposures and skin care in orthodontics
A national, cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Bernhard Wiechens
Philipp Meyer-Marcotty
Timo Buhl
Thomas Werfel
Andrea Bauer
Christian Apfelbacher
Susann Forkel
Moritz M. Hollstein
Stephan Traidl
Publication date: 03-04-2024
Publisher: Springer Medizin
Published in: Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics / Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie
Print ISSN: 1434-5293
Electronic ISSN: 1615-6714
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-024-00524-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Hand eczema symptoms, exposures and skin care in orthodontics

A national, cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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