Affiliations: Department of Clinical Social Medicine, Occupational
and Environmental Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg,
Germany
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Anja Bathe, Department of Clinical
Social Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, University
Hospital Heidelberg, Thibautstr. 3, D-69115, Heidelberg, Germany. Tel.: +49
6221 56 8752; Fax: +49 6221 56 5584; E-mail:
anja.bathe@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Abstract: Objective: Occupational skin disease (OSD) is the most frequent
work-related disease in most industrialised countries and poses a high social,
economic and personal burden. However, to date no study has examined the
illness perceptions of individuals with refractory OSD. Participants and Methods: Semi-structured guided interviews with 50
patients with OSD were conducted. Data was subjected to qualitative content
analysis. Results: Most patients were not able to see the prodromal
symptom-character of dry skin or the involvement of psychological factors in
the formation and maintenance of eczema. Patients rejected a personal
accountability for the condition. Before being willing to act upon skin
protection measures, external agencies (employer, insurance organisations) have
to overcome a variety of perceived barriers. Previous negative experiences with
skin protection often lead to the conclusion that these measures, in general,
are not efficacious. Conclusions: In order to accommodate the needs of patients with OSD,
health care providers need to be aware of what these patients' illness
cognitions consist of, and how they interact with current preventive efforts.
Many details of the patient's perspective are often overlooked, but need to be
considered. Failure to do so may mean that well-meant interventions will not
reach the addressed audience successfully.
