Objective To estimate hand dermatitis prevalence in hairdressers in Huangpu District of Shanghai, and to subsequently explore potential impact factors associated with the occurrence of hand dermatitis.
Conclusion Through random cluster sampling, the hairdressers employed in 113 barber shops were recruited in Huangpu District of Shanghai. Considering various risk factors related with hand dermatitis and work task assignments, the jobs of the participants were separated into 4 categories: hair washing only (Job I); hair dyeing and perm (Job II); hair washing, hair dyeing, and perm (Job III); and neither of the above-mentioned tasks (mainly haircutting and/or hair blowing, Job IV). A questionnaire containing demographic information, hand dermatitis related clinical manifestations, possible exposures, and relevant protective measures were developed. The participants were face-to-face interviewed by trained investigators using the questionnaire. Data were entered into an Excel database and subsequently analyzed using univariate chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression.
Results A total of 578 valid questionnaires were collected, in which 37.7% of the study subjects (218) reported they experienced hand dermatitis. Among those hairdressers with hand dermatitis, 90.4% suffered from chronic hand dermatitis, and 9.6% experienced acute hand dermatitis. No statistically significant differences were observed in age, length of service, and gloves protection between the investigated hairdressers with or without hand dermatitis. Compared with the Job IV group, the odds ratio of Job I, Job II, and Job III group were 5.28 (95% CI: 2.72-10.25), 2.44 (95% CI: 1.20-4.95), and 5.56 (95% CI: 3.12-9.90), respectively, according to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis. When compared with the participants without allergic history, those reported allergic history displayed an elevated possibility of having hand dermatitis with an OR of 3.06 (95% CI: 1.98-4.72). However, no statistically significant evidences were identified in the effectiveness of the prevention measures, such as wearing gloves or using hand cream during the work.
Conclusion Engaged in hair washing and hair dyeing/perm in barber shops is positively associated with the increased prevalence of hand dermatitis in hairdressers in Shanghai. Hairdressers with allergic history tend to contract hand dermatitis.
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