Programme for prevention of foot dermatoses in patients with work-related skin diseases: Baseline data and first results of a prospective cohort study (OCCUPES)

Background: Programmes for prevention of hand dermatoses in patients with work-related skin diseases (WRSD) are well established. Similar interventions for foot dermatoses (FD) are widely missing.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a programme for prevention of FD based on health education in patients with WRSD while investigating the impact and possible causative factors of FD.Methods: In a prospective cohort study (OCCUPES), 231 patients with WRSD and FD participating in the programme were recruited. The skin was examined and questionnaires were completed, including assessment of footwear, FD severity, symptoms and health-related quality of life.Results: The baseline and some early results are presented. A work-related causation of FD was likely in 60 patients (26.0%) with irritant contact dermatitis being the most frequent diagnosis. Work-related FD were associated with male sex (p = 0.012), sweating in footwear (p = 0.004) and wearing of safety footwear (p = 0.013). FD were often long-lasting with a high degree of work-absenteeism, quality of life impairment, itch and pain, particularly in work-related FD.Conclusions: Interventions are needed to reduce the burden of FD in patients with WRSD. The programme addresses current shortcomings in prevention of FD. A long-term evaluation of its effectiveness follows.