Contact dermatitis in hairdresser trainees in lower saxony (Germany)/A comparison between 1989, 1994 and 1999 [Dermatosen bei auszubildenden des friseurhandwerks in niedersachsen: Ein vergleich zwischen 1989, 1994 und 1999]

Abstract

The number of reported occupational diseases in hairdressers has steadily increased since 1990. Then for the present a decline was reported. In the period 1997/1998 the number has increased once more. Since 1989 total surveys were performed of hairdressers trainees in lower saxony in five-years-intervals in order to survey the prevailing status quo of the development of skin diseases and skin protection in this skin stressing occupation. The results reason the necessity to continue preventive measures. Investigations reveal that 76% of the hairdressers trainees (n = 1841) have participated in the "Youth Employment Protection act" before the beginning of their training. In the period from 1989 to 1999 their participation in this examination decreased app. 12%. The rate of wet work was always high. During 1989 and 1994 the incidence of skin diseases decreased from 70% to 57%, while during 1994 and 1999 an increase to 61% was abserved. In 1989, app. 17% of hairdresser trainees with skin alterations consulted a doctor. In 1994 the number of consultations increased to 44%, in 1999 it decreased to 29%. In 1989 27% of the trainees with skin alterations were forced to give up their job. In 1994 this number was reduced to 16%, in 1999 to 11%. Regarding to the use of protective gloves the comparison 1989 to 1994 shows that protective gloves were increasingly used for skin stressing work. However, the comparison of the last five years (1994-1999) reveals a stagnation in the use of protective gloves. These results reason the necessity of intensive interventions in primary prevention.