cont{rct Dern'tatitis 1992: 261. l0l-107 Contact dermatitis in hairdressers: the Italian experience L. Guennar, A. Toslr, F. Beroazzlr, P. PtCarrO2,P. LISI3, B. SeNruccla, R. Vlneccms, D. SCgeNlo, G. Axcrr-lxtr, A- Senrolrs, F Avalle euo F KorsLlro Gruppo lÍaliano Ricerctl Dermatíti da contaÍto e Ambientali Departments of Dermatology, University of rBologna, 2Milano, 3Terni, sBergamo,6Verona,rBari, ' sFirenze. eNapoli, r0Trieste and alstituto San Gallicano, Roma A multicenter study was performed in 9 Italian centers by members of the GIRDCA' to evaluate the lrequency and source of contact sensitization in a group of 302 hairdressers with dermatitis' Occu- pational habits and use of preventive measures were specifically investigated both in these 302 hairdressersand in a further group of 240 hairdressers who answered a questionnaire' The results showed the presence of un o.cuputionally relevant sensitization in60.9% of the 302 hairdressers' This proportion ìncluded 52 hairdressers who had negative patch tests to the- hairdressers' series but showed positive reactions to other allergens, ,r.h ut nickel, rubber additives, preservatives and fragrances, which werejudged relevant to their occupation. Among hair dyes, PPD caused 73 reaclions (zi2%), pAp 32 reactions (10.6%), SNPPD 24 reactions ('1.9%), and PTD 40 reactions (13'2%)' A low incidence ofsensitization was detectedin our hairdressers to resorcinol and pyrogallol (1'3% for each substance). Among peÍnanent waye allergens, positive reactions to GMTG were found in 11'3oÀ of patients, while ATG gave a lorver rate of positive reactions (5.0%)' Allergic contact dermatitis due to ApS was also relatively common (ll3%t.4 hairdressers in this study gave a positive reaction 30 min after a provocatlve test with latex gloves, patch testing to the rubber series being negative' Enquiry regarding preventive measures rèvealed that the majority of hairdressers use gloves when doing úair-dyeing, but rarely use them for washing dyed hair or for doing permanent waving' The infrequent uie oi prerrenti r. n.'.urur., by Italian hairdressers was conhrmed by the results of the questionnaire, and possibly explains the high frequency of skin problems (12.5%) in the hairdressing population that was specihcally interviewed Key words: hairdressers; irritant contact dermatitis; allergic contact dermatitis; occupational; preven- tion; para-phenylenediamine; para-aminodiphenylamine; o-nitro-p-phenylenediamine; paratoluenedi- aminà; resorcinàl; pyrogallol; glyceryl monothioglycolate; ammonium thioglycolate; ammonrum per- sulfate; rubber contact urticaria. Acceptedfor publícaîion 12 July 1991 Contact dermatitis in hairdressers is one of the most frequent occupational dermatoses (l)' During their apprenticeship, hairdressers often develop an irritant contact dermatitis of the hands due to prolonged contact with water and shampoos. Irritant cutaneous lesions pre- dispose to sensitization, damaged skin being more easily penetrated by allergens (2). Consti- tutional factors and the lack of protective measures worsen the prognosis of hand eczema in hairdressers and may lead to permanent disability(3). We report here the resultsof a multicentric study that has been performed in 9 Italian centers by the members of the GIRDCA (Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali). The aim of this study was to evaluatethe frequencyand the source