Occupational contact urticaria.

Abstract

Among contact dermatosis, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic eczema are by far the most frequent. Nevertheless, concerning occupational dermatosis, contact urticaria should be not neglected. Allergy to natural rubber latex is well-known; however, many other substances found in catering jobs and in jobs involving close contact with animals or vegetables can cause allergies. Discrete forms are not rare and should be remembered during questioning of the patient, as well as during a clinical examination. Accordingly, a physician should perform the appropriate cutaneous tests--particularly prick tests--and the relevance of these tests then needs to be assessed.