Vol 59, No 1-4 (2008)
MARITIME HEALTH
Submitted: 2013-02-18
Published online: 2010-03-29
Professional photosensitive eczema of fishermen by contact with bryozoans: Disabling occupational dermatosis
Benedicte Clin, Catherine Stosse-Guevel, Marie-France Marquignon, Laurence Verneuil, Marc Letourneux
Vol 59, No 1-4 (2008)
MARITIME HEALTH
Submitted: 2013-02-18
Published online: 2010-03-29
Abstract
Eczema associated with bryozoans is a form of occupational dermatosis caused by a
living animal, involving contact eczema, occasionally associated with photosensitivity
and concerning fishermen on a quasi-elective basis. This affection can prove to be
extremely disabling, frequently generating disastrous social consequences, since the
eviction of the responsible allergen is very often synonymous to occupational
reclassification, a measure which fishermen, highly attached to their profession, have
great difficulty in accepting. Based on the description of three cases of photosensitive eczema associated with
contact with the bryozoan, Alcyonidium gelatinosum, identified in fishermen from the
English Channel coastline, we describe the characteristics and the specificities of this
occupational dermatosis, then approach the issue of its prevention, which, unfortunately,
remains limited.
Abstract
Eczema associated with bryozoans is a form of occupational dermatosis caused by a
living animal, involving contact eczema, occasionally associated with photosensitivity
and concerning fishermen on a quasi-elective basis. This affection can prove to be
extremely disabling, frequently generating disastrous social consequences, since the
eviction of the responsible allergen is very often synonymous to occupational
reclassification, a measure which fishermen, highly attached to their profession, have
great difficulty in accepting. Based on the description of three cases of photosensitive eczema associated with
contact with the bryozoan, Alcyonidium gelatinosum, identified in fishermen from the
English Channel coastline, we describe the characteristics and the specificities of this
occupational dermatosis, then approach the issue of its prevention, which, unfortunately,
remains limited.
Title
Professional photosensitive eczema of fishermen by contact with bryozoans: Disabling occupational dermatosis
Journal
International Maritime Health
Issue
Vol 59, No 1-4 (2008)
Pages
45-52
Published online
2010-03-29
Page views
586
Article views/downloads
1018
Bibliographic record
IMH 2008;59(1-4):45-52.
Authors
Benedicte Clin
Catherine Stosse-Guevel
Marie-France Marquignon
Laurence Verneuil
Marc Letourneux