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Eighteen patients with contact allergic dermatitis, 32 patients with eczema, 20 clinically healthy workers of a metallurgy plant with latent sensitization, and 133 normal subjects have been examined with the use of immunologic tests, contact biomicroscopy of the skin, and life-time microfluorometry of the skin. The immune system regulatory mechanism stress has been revealed in the workers with latent sensitization. Adaptation type shifts have been detected in the skin, aimed at the elimination of chemicals entering the skin.

The growing employment of the population in agriculture and wide use of plants in industry lead to an increase in the incidence rate of phytodermatoses. The strongest allergens are Ambrosia and Artemisia pollen, as well as exotic trees wood. Measures for the prevention of occupational phytodermatoses are an integral part of the complex program for the improvement of specialized medical care in the rural regions. Patients suffering from occupational phytodermatoses should be subjected to regular check-ups.

The formula of a new stable 20% benzylbenzoate emulsion is presented, so are the results of studies on its toxicity, local irritating and sensitizing effects in guinea pigs. For comparison, the same characteristics of currently used 20% water-soap benzylbenzoate emulsion and of the new ointment base, SAKAP (acryl copolymer), have been examined. Both the ointment and its base have proved to be safe.

Individual protective dermatologic agents are an indispensable component of the complex of prophylactic measures for occupational dermatologic diseases control. The last decade has seen a variety of new protective agents: industrial allergen inactivators, effective surfactants, and universal creams. Plamin, a universal cream manufactured in Sweden, is characterized by the optimal protective properties and is resistant to many aggressive media.

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.