P-007 Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Rubber Additives

Abstract Introduction Rubber additives are among the allergens most frequently involved in occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Objective To study the sociodemographic, clinical, and allergological characteristics of ACD to rubber additives and to assess their impact on fitness for work. Methods Retrospective descriptive study of cases of ACD to rubber additives confirmed by patch-tests of the Standard European Battery,performed in the Occupational Medicine Department of La Rabta Hospital, Tunis during the period from June 1st 2023 to June 30 2023. Results Our study included 52 patients with a mean age of 40.8 years,predominantly female (63.5%).Most of them were healthcare workers (60%) mainly nurses (25%). The average professional seniority was 11.71±9.71years.Personal atopy was noted in 28.8% of cases.The initial dermatological manifestations were erythematous (96.2%) located on hands (88.5%),with dorsal lesions in 72.3% of cases. The lesions occurred distantly in 57.7% of cases,specially in forearms and face(30% each).The rhythmicity of these lesions with work activity was reported by 92.3% of patients. The most frequently identified allergen by patch tests was thiuram-mix (88.5%),followed by mercaptobenzothiazole (15.4%),mercapto-mix(13.5%) and isopropyl-N-phenyl-4-phenylenediamine (IPPD) (7.7%).In terms of fitness for work,the majority of patients benefited from adjustements for work (84.6%), in particular the avoidance of rubber gloves and the wearing of double-layered cotton gloves (43.2%).Medical redeployment was indicated in 11.8% of patients. Discussion Thiuram-mix is the allergen the most frequently involved in rubber additives ACD. Gloves are its main cause. Conclusions Eczema caused by rubber additives is common in the workplace. Prevention relies essentially on the use of substitutes for the most allergenic additives.