Effect of protective agent against lipid-solvent-induced damages. Ultrastructural and scanning electron microscopical study of human epidermis.

The ultrastructural and relief (cyto-architectural) changes of human epidermis following exposure to a protective gel and acetone or kerosene were studied in healthy volunteers. Topical applications of acetone and kerosene on unprotected skin produced cell damage and a disorganized pattern in the upper layers of epidermis. The ultrastructural changes following acetone consisted of large paranuclear vacuoles, swollen mitochondria, and clumped tonofilaments. Severe disorganization with intense cytolysis and enlarged intercellular spaces occurred after exposure to kerosene. Scanning electron microscopy revealed edematous connified cells (corneocytes) following acetone exposure, whereas kerosene induced the occurrence of large lacunae in the swollen corneocytes. The application of a protective agent prior to solvent exposure substantially reduced the ultrastructural and relief changes of epidermal cells.