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A total of 2820 oilmen regularly exposed to industrial oil were examined. Folliculites were detected in 151, furuncles in 63, hydradenitis in 58, phlegmons in 35, panaritium in 30 subjects. The number of invalidity days due to pyogenic dermatoses was 2-3 times higher among the workers exposed to deep oils than among those handling surface oils; this difference is explained by chemical composition and physicochemical characteristics of the extracted oil.

Acute rabbit experiments have revealed furfural photodynamic characteristics. Photoprotective cream used to protect the skin from UV exposure could to a certain measure reduce the level of the photodynamic reaction developing in combined exposure to furfural and UV light. These data are recommended to be borne in mind when designing prophylactic measures.

This condition was described by Haxthausen in 1934 for the first time; it is one of the diseases explained by hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. This disease is difficult to diagnose, and patients often complain of such conditions; therefore the authors consider it useful to regularly publish descriptions of clinical cases. Besides involvement of the palms and soles, manifesting by hyperkeratotic layers, painful fissures and itching, the patients with climacteric keratoderma develop metabolic endocrine, neurovegetative, and psychoemotional disorders. When choosing the treatment strategy, the physician should bear in mind specific features of the pathogenesis and clinical picture. Earlier therapy and its efficacy are of importance, as are the presence of allergies or drug intolerance and particulars of the climacteric period course in the first- and second-degree relatives.

Experimental multiple epicutaneous exposure of guinea pigs to furfural and D-11 mineral oil distillate and their combinations in various concentrations has resulted in structural changes of the skin and viscera. These changes were dose-dependent. Combined exposure to both agents resulted in more grave disorders than isolated exposures in the same doses.

Animal experiments have revealed manifest skin resorptive effect of furfural. Acute experiments have demonstrated manifest toxic action of furfural when applied to intact animal skin. Subacute action of mineral oil induced poorly manifest toxic effect manifesting as nonspecific visceral changes.

Blood serum IgG1, IgG2, IgA, and IgM were assayed by radial immunodiffusion after exposure of guinea pig skin to oil refinery products, mineral oil distillate D-11 (MOD) and furfurol (F), applied both separately and together. Application of MOD, F, and MOD + F subthreshold concentrations was found to be associated with a tendency to a reduction of IgG1 level; isolated applications of the agents in threshold concentrations involved statistically significant lowering of IgG1 (in exposure to MOD) and imbalanced levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgA, and IgM (in exposure to F). Combined application of both agents induced immunity shifts of other type as against isolated exposure.

Experimental data demonstrate a manifest skin irritating action of D-11 mineral oil distillate and furfural used in oil processing. The minimal effective concentrations of these chemicals have been defined. The irritating effects are enhanced in exposure to their combination. These data are recommended to be used when developing prophylactic measures.

Examinations of 518 refinery workers have helped define the dermatologic morbidity structure. Immunologic examinations have been carried out in 82 workers. 70 of these have developed skin abnormalities (toxicoderma, eczema, itching, hyperkeratosis, vascular spots, abnormal pigmentation, etc.). The studies have revealed reduced levels of the cell-mediated immunity parameters: T-lymphocytes, T-theophylline-sensitive lymphocytes, and decreased functional activities thereof); this has been parallelled by activation of the humoral immunity.

Allergenic and photosensitizing effects of organophosphorus pesticides (OPP) have been detected, as well as their destructive effect on the skin cell ultrastructure, on the body metabolism and enzymic systems, and the inhibitory effect on cholinesterase activity. Pesticide-induced changes in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are significant in the mechanism of dermatoses development. The complex of treatment-and-prophylaxis measures includes regular dermatologic check-ups and limitation of the number of subjects handling OPP. Subjects in whom premorbid shifts have been detected, should be followed up. The therapy and prevention of the dermatoses developing as a result of exposure to pesticides may be effectively carried out with antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, etc.; diets with the optimal PUFA-tocopherol ratio are advisable. Overalls with multiple protective physicochemical characteristics, filtering respirators and such are recommended.

Examinations of 518 refinery workers have revealed photodermatoses in 106. The disease ran a benign course: chronic or subacute one, eventuating in hyperpigmentation and vascular maculae in the workers exposed to oil and oil products. The patients suffering from occupational photodermatoses develop immunologic shifts, i.e. reduced levels of T-cells, T-suppressors, elevated counts of B-cells and of serum immunoglobulins G and M.