Dermatological screening and results of patch testing among Polish apprentice hairdressers

Background. High prevalence of occupational dermatoses among hairdressers has been confirmed in many studies, while work‐related skin disorders in apprentice hairdressers are less known. Objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of work‐related skin disorders among apprentice hairdressers, and to identify the factors contributing to the development of dermatoses during vocational training. Patients and methods. One hundred thirty‐nine apprentice hairdressers, aged 17–19 years, were included in the study. A questionnaire survey, personal interview, dermatological examination and patch tests were conducted. Results. Present or past work‐related skin conditions affecting the hands were reported by 43.9% of individuals, and diagnosed in 25.9% on dermatological examination. Positive patch test results were found in 38.1%. The most frequent allergens were nickel (29.3% of all tested) and ammonium persulfate (8.3%). Allergic contact dermatitis was recorded in 27.3%, and was of occupational origin in 87.9% of all tested individuals. Irritant contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 51.1% of participants (this prevalence was higher than that based only on an interview). Survey responses revealed inadequate knowledge of the risk of occupational skin diseases and protective measures. Conclusions. It is necessary to implement an educational programme for apprentice hairdressers, in order to increase their knowledge of the risk of skin damage and to promote appropriate use of protective measures, starting from the earliest stages of their training.