[The role of solvents in the development of skin changes].

The dermatological tests covered 289 rubber industry workers occupationally exposed to organic solvents and rubber. The control group involved 95 subjects. All the subjects underwent epidermal tests with routine allergens, naephtha and 11 rubber allergens. Altogether, dermatoses have been diagnosed in 32.8% of persons exposed to solvents and rubber, 12.1% of subjects developed dermatitis of hands and forearms, whereas 2.8%--trophic lesions of nails. 6.2% were sensitized to rubber allergens, 13.5%--to chromium compounds, and 3.8%--to cobalt compounds. The number of cases of hand dermatitis and nail lesions was found to increase with age and length of employment. Similarly, the allergy prevalence increased with age and duration of exposure to solvents and rubber. In 40% of dermatitis-affected subjects, sensitization to rubber allergens was an aetiological factor, in 60%--hand dermatitis resulted from irritating effects of organic solvents.