Occupational skin diseases in Northern Bavaria between 1990 and 1999: a population-based study

Background Occupational skin diseases (OSDs) account for a large portion of occupational diseases in Europe, but population-based epidemiological studies are missing. Objectives We analysed the initial reports of OSDs in our register of OSDs in Northern Bavaria (BKH-N). Methods A total of 5285 cases were assessed prospectively and registered from 1990 to 1999. As the German Federal Employment Office provides specific occupational data in relation to the total employed population of Northern Bavaria, it was possible to conduct a population-based study that investigated the trend in incidence rates between two study periods (1990-92 and 1993-99) in 24 different occupational groups. Results A total of 3097 cases of OSD (median age 25 years) were recorded in the 24 occupational groups. There was a significant decline (P < 0.001) in the overall incidence rate of OSD with 10.7 cases per 10,000 workers per year for the first study period and 4.9 cases per 10,000 workers per year for the second study period. This general trend in incidence rates was also significant for hairdressers and barbers, bakers, health-care workers, cooks and metal processors. Conclusions The BKH-N provides national data based on the notification of OSDs in Germany. The results demonstrate the rank of occupations hazardous for the skin and are helpful for defining target groups for prevention.