Bioscientia Medicina : Journal of Biomedicine and Translational Research
Vol. 10 No. 5 (2026): Bioscientia Medicina: Journal of Biomedicine & Translational Research

VAT Dyes as Primary Sensitizers in Occupational Contact Dermatitis: Clinical and Patch Test Profiles in the Traditional Sasirangan Textile Industry

Medisiana Sukses Soenoe (Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia)
Muslimin (Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia)
Radityastuti (Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) significantly impacts workers in the informal textile sector. While disperse dyes are well-documented sensitizers, the allergenic potential of VAT dyes in traditional manufacturing, such as the Indonesian Sasirangan batik industry, remains under-evaluated. Methods: An analytical observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 Sasirangan artisans (20 wet workers, 20 dry workers). Clinical diagnoses were established using the Mathias criteria and NOSQ-2002. Epicutaneous patch testing was performed using a baseline series and specific synthetic dyes (1% in petrolatum), read at 48, 72, and 96 hours per ICDRG criteria. Multivariable logistic regression complemented the primary statistical analysis to assess predictive risk factors. Results: The prevalence of positive patch tests was 62.5% (25/40). The primary sensitizers were VAT dye willanthrene brill rose 4R (42.5%) and VAT dye willanthrene green B (37.5%). A significant correlation was found between a clinical history of OCD and positive patch test outcomes (p=0.014, OR=5.6). Surprisingly, job type (wet vs. dry), handwashing frequency, and PPE use did not significantly correlate with patch test positivity (p>0.05), highlighting the pervasive nature of dye allergens across the workspace. Conclusion: VAT dyes are potent primary sensitizers in the traditional Sasirangan textile industry. A clinical history of OCD is a strong predictor of patch test positivity, emphasizing the need for targeted allergen identification and barrier protection.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

bsm

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

Description

BioScientia Medicina is an open access international scholarly journal in the field of biomedicine and translational research aimed to publish a high-quality scientific paper including original research papers, reviews, short communication, and technical notes. This journal welcomes the submission ...