A gender-specific approach to occupational allergic contact dermatitis

Background: A gender-specific approach has been claimed in most diseases. However, data on differences between men and women in occupational allergic skin diseases are limited. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate gender differences in occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD). Methods: A retrospective study on OACD was performed in male and female workers in Italy and Tuscany. Cases were collected from the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) database. Results: Data from a total of 1555 patients (58% men and 42% women) with OACD were reported to INAIL in Italy over the 5‑year span from 2014–2018. The most common sectors were industry and crafts in men, and services and public administration in women. The haptens most frequently involved were cement followed by epoxy resins in men, while hair dyes and rubber additives were identified in women. Conclusion: Gender-distribution in OACD reflects differences in occupations with respect to men and women as evidenced by working sectors and haptens involved in the pathogenesis.