Journal of Allergy & Therapy

Abstract

Prevalence of Occupational Contact Dermatitis to Mercaptobenzothiazole in a Population of Seamen and Prognosis after 3-Year Evaluation

Loddé B, Roguedas-Contios AM, Pougnet R, Paris P, Jegaden D, Misery L and Dewitte JD

Background: The prevalence of contact dermatitis to mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) in the maritime work place and its prognosis have been poorly studied.

Objectives: Determining the clinical presentation as well as the annual incidence rate of on set of skin allergies to MBT in the maritime workplace, and attempting to gauge the social and professional impact of this condition on affected seafarers.

Materials and methods: Analysis of the medical records of the seafarers who reported a skin allergy to MBT in 2008, and calculation of the prevalence of this condition amongst the 35 563 professional seafarers exposed to MBT in France because they wear work clothes made of synthetic rubber in their occupational activities (catch handling, merchant shipping or shellfish farming).

Results: We found only three cases in professional fishermen. In all cases, the dermatitis persisted despite the arrest of exposure to MBT, and made very difficult, the continuation of their professional life of these patients in the fishing sector.

Conclusion: The prevalence of contact dermatitis to MBT in the maritime sector is 1/10 000. The 3-year prognosis is poor since the seafarers affected by this disease reported the persistence of lesions and the healthimposed obligation to cease working in the fishing industry.