Course of atopic eczema is influenced by environmental irritating factors including adverse impact of work environment. The effect of work environment on the course of atopic eczema and development of contact sensitivity was retrospectively evaluated in 1403 patients in years 1984-2003. The most common causes of irritation with subsequent atopic eczema exacerbation were petroleum derivatives, tensides, rub-ber chemicals, dusty environment, cow's hair, disinfectants, glues, cement and other less common irri-tants. Occupational contact eczemas in patients with main diagnosis of atopic eczema were mostly diagnosed in metal-working industry 65/186, agriculture 27/108, health services 25/142, chemical industry 15/31, buil-ding industry 13/44 and rubber manufacturing industry 12/27. Most patients who changed their job posi-tion due to medical reasons or to development of occupational contact dermatitis were in metal-working industry (130/186, 76 %), health services and agriculture. Improper job position or apprenticeship was found in 619 patients (44 %) of the studied group.

        Key words: atopic eczema - contact sensitivity - work environment - job position