Occupational exposure to laboratory animals causing a severe exacerbation of atopic eczema

Abstract

A 24-year-old man with a long history of severe atopic eczema presented with a marked exacerbation requiring hospital admission. It emerged that his occupation as an animal house technician required him to work closely with laboratory animals, particularly mice and rats. Radioallergosorbent tests to mice allergens were markedly elevated. Avoidance of animal work, in conjunction with medical treatment, resulted in a marked improvement of his eczema. © 2011 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.