Contact dermatitis in Israeli soldiers

This report consists of an evaluation of 41 soldiers from the infantry, armored, and artillery division, who developed hand dermatitis from their contact with oils and fuel. A special "tailored" supplementary tray with five reagents relevant to their field of work and environment was performed. The reagents that were used were gun oil, hydraulic oil, automotive lubricant (oil) 20/50, white spirit, and car petrol (gasoline). Seven of the 41 patients (17%) showed one or more positive tests to the supplementary tray. The fact that none of the control group of 64 patients not exposed to these substances showed a positive result to the supplementary tray indicates that false positive results are, at least, not probable. It is suggested that soldiers with occupational hand dermatitis should be tested with supplemental aimed trays that are relevant to their work and environment, in addition to the standard trays.