Occupational Dermatoses Among Kitchen Workers In A Chain Of Vegetarian Hotel

Abstract

This study was undertaken to identify occupation related skin problems among hotel workers. One thousand three hindered and ninety employees of a chain of vegetarian hotels were examined. Of the 273 people working in the kitchen, 206 (75.4%) had dermatosis related to work. The Kitchen workers were classified according to the type of work they routinely performed. Forty eight out of the 63 (76.1%) cooks who were involved in stirring had callosity at sites of contact with ladle and 28 of the40 (70%) cooks who were involved in frying had pigmentation and scars due to contact with hot oil and water. All the onion peelers had staining and fissuring of the palmer aspect of the fingers. Thirty two of the 46(69.5%) vegetable cutters had callosity on the palm at areas of contact with knife. Poori markers had pigmentation and callosity of knuckles due to pressing the dough with their knuckles. Nine of the 12 (66%) rice cleaners had chapping of nails. Seven of the 12 (58.3%) paratha markers had erythema of palm due to contact with hot tava. Tandoori experts had singing of hair over right forearm. Two workers (0.73%) had pigmentation of the face probably due to prolonged exposure to heat. Two of the16 (12.5%) grinders had paronychia and onychomycosis due to constant contact with water and dough. Nine of the 15 (60%) coconut graters had callosities of the palms. We conclude the minor occupational dermatosis is prevalent among kitchen workers employed in hotels