Assessment of hand or foot eczema and contact dermatitis among car mechanics

R.K. Barradah, M.S. Ahmad, R.A. Shaik, R.K. Ahmad, A. Badar Almutairi, W.K. Alghuyaythat

Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. r.shaik@mu.edu.sa

---

• Dermatology

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to mineral oil and petroleum derivatives is common among motor vehicle repair workers, leading to occupation-related dermatological conditions. Objective: We aimed to determine the prevalence of contact dermatitis among workers of car garages in the unorganized sector and to explore their personal safety measures.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective community-based study was conducted among 200 workers aged 18 years and above employed at 70 car garages in Majmaah City, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected by a trained medical student using a standardized questionnaire on age, nationality, type of work, working hours, past history of dermatitis, clinical examination, personal safety equipment, and treatment-seeking behavior of workers. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test of significance were done using SPSSv25.0.

RESULTS: The self-reported prevalence of eczema/contact dermatitis within the past year was 14.5% (n=29), with hand lesions being the commonest (63%). Participants aged 18-30 years, working as car mechanics, and working for more than 10 hours had a statistically significant higher prevalence of contact dermatitis as compared to their counterparts. Most of them wore some or the other safety wares like safety shoes (20.9%), gloves (20.3%), Face masks (20%), earmuffs (10%), and helmets (2.8%). However, only 30% of cases sought treatment for the condition, reflecting poor healthcare-seeking behavior.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of contact dermatitis among workers of car garages was found to be lower than in other countries in KSA, probably due to stringent implementation of Occupation and Health Safety laws. However, workers had poor treatment-seeking behavior for this condition, which needs to be improved by taking appropriate public health measures.

Free PDF Download