Adverse effects of gasoline on the skin of exposed workers

Abstract

Gasoline is widely used as a solvent in industry. To study its adverse effects on the skin and to understand their mechanisms, a matched epidemiological study (1:1, 52 exposed workers and 52 control subjects) was developed. Information about general conditions, history of dermatosis, changes in skin after exposure to gasoline, etc., was obtained. Ceramide, fatty acid and cholesterol collected from the backs of the hands were analyzed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), because stratum corneum lipids play a predominant rôle in maintaining the physiological function of skin. The results showed that prevalences of hyperkeratosis, dryness, onychosis and dermatitis were clearly higher in exposed workers than in the control group, prevalence ratios being 3.33 (p<0.05), 3.00 (p<0.001), 11.25 (p<0.001), 5.00 (p<0.001), respectively. Fissures and onychorrhexis were the common symptoms in exposed workers. The stratum corneum lipid levels of ceramide, fatty acid and cholesterol were significantly lower in the exposed group than in the control group (p<0.05). Findings indicated that prolonged or repeated contact with gasoline could cause fissuring of the skin and nail disorders, and that the mechanism was perhaps depletion of stratum corneum lipids.