Occupational Contact Dermatitis from Soldering Flux in an Electronic Worker

Abstract

Soldering flux, commonly used in the electronic industry, can cause both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. A case of occupational contact dermatitis from soldering flux in a 35-year-old electronic worker is reported. He presented with eczematous dermatitis distributed mainly on both palms and around the periungual areas. His work duties include manual hand soldering to repair and assemble computer main circuit boards. His work contacts include: soldering flux pastes containing colophony, liquid flux and flux cored (tin/lead) solder wire. This case was confirmed by a positive patch test, with present relevance, to colophony and tin. He also had a positive patch test to rubber and nickel. The clinical presentation and management of occupational contact dermatitis from soldering flux is reviewed.