Irritant textile workers

Textile workers are exposed to a number of irritants and allergens. Plant materials are commonly used, but irritant dermatitis is perhaps more common with wool, which is of animal origin, than with most plant materials. However, irritant dermatitis has been reported from persons working with linseed oil and flax [417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422]. Exposure to textile fibers can cause irritant reactions, usually on the hands [423]. Reactions to other additives are published occasionally, e.g., a textile worker who reacted to tamarind flour... 

In agreement with previously reported data, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis have approximately the same incidence in textile workers (Soni and Sherertz 1996). Hands are the most common area of involvement face involvement is also reported (Soni and Sherertz 1996 Manzini 1996). 

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