Assessing the efficacy of a German-inspired intervention on occupational contact dermatitis in Denmark: A randomised controlled trial with 3-month follow-up

BackgroundOccupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is a prevalent, often chronic disease that poses a risk for job loss and decreased quality of life. In Germany, a multi-step prevention programme emphasising early detection and highly specialised multidisciplinary treatment has been implemented with great success.ObjectivesTo examine the effectiveness of a Danish-adapted version of the German prevention effort on OCD severity, quality of life and occupational consequences at 3-month follow-up.MethodsRandomised, controlled trial. Participants were recruited after the first referral from General Practitioner to Dermatologist with suspected OCD. The intervention group (IG) received a Danish-adapted, multidisciplinary intervention, while the control group (CG) navigated the Danish healthcare system without interference from the study. OCD severity, occupational consequences and quality of life were assessed at 3-month follow-up using self-reported questionnaires.ResultsA statistically significant decrease in the severity of eczema was found at 3-month follow-up in the IG compared to the CG. The IG were statistically significantly more likely to have seen a dermatologist at 3-month follow-up. Higher treatment level in the IG was indicated by the results but was not statistically significant. No significant difference was found in quality of life or occupational consequences.ConclusionsThese initial findings suggest that early and specialised treatment of OCD improves OCD prognosis. Randomised controlled trial examining the effect of an intervention consisting of fast dermatological treatment, extensive exposure assessment, extended allergen testing and education on skin protective behaviour in patients with suspected occupational hand eczema (OHE).At 3-month follow-up by questionnaire intervention group participants had:Significantly less OHESignificantly lower severity of OHEWere significantly more likely to have seen a dermatologist.image