Dermatoses among automobile mechanics in Mansoura, Egypt

Chronic Exposure to Petroleum-Derived Hydrocarbons Alters Human Skin Microbiome and Metabolome Profiles: A Pilot Study

Petroleum-derived substances, like industrial oils and grease, are ubiquitous in our daily lives. Comprised of petroleum hydrocarbons (PH), these substances can come into contact with our skin, potentially causing molecular disruptions and contributing to the development of chronic disease. In this pilot study, we employed mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses to explore these effects. Superficial skin samples were collected from subjects with and without chronic dermal exposure to PH at two anatomical sites: the fingers (referred to as the hand) and arms (serving as an intersubject variability control). Exposed hands exhibited higher bacterial diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices) and an enrichment of oil-degrading bacteria (ODB), including Dietzia, Paracoccus, and Kocuria. Functional prediction suggested enriched pathways associated with PH degradation in exposed hands vs non-exposed hands, while no differences were observed when comparing the arms. Furthermore, carboxylic acids, glycerophospholipids, organooxygen compounds, phenol ethers, among others, were found to be more abundant in exposed hands. We observed positive correlations among multiple ODB and xenobiotics, suggesting a chemical remodeling of the skin favorable for ODB thriving. Overall, our study offers insights into the complex dysregulation of bacterial communities and the chemical milieu induced by chronic dermal exposure to PH.

Dermatitis Cruris Pustulosa et Atrophicans: Scarring Alopecia Beyond Scalp Hair

Dermatitis Cruris Pustulosa et Atrophicans (DCPA) was first described in 1952 in Nigeria and is nowadays regarded as a type of chronic folliculitis of tropical areas. It is often limited to the lower limbs of young adults, mostly in the second to third decades, with a unique clinical picture characterized by chronicity, relentless progression, therapy refractoriness, and permanent cicatricial changes. Trauma, occlusion, and microorganism selection contribute for its etiopathogenesis, which is deemed multifactorial but still incompletely understood. Despite its conspicuous clinical features, awareness of DCPA is apparently low, hence probably overlooked. We herein summarize the current state of knowledge regarding this distinct entity, and further present the first report in a patient from Bangladesh, and concurrently the first in Europe. Paucity of data, and unraveled definite etiology and treatment, highlight the need for further studies.

Occupational dermatoses: knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among motor vehicle repair workers

INTRODUCTION

Motor vehicle repair workers are vulnerable group for developing occupational dermatoses. They exposed to wide range of chemical, physical and mechanical hazards. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of occupational dermatoses among motor vehicle repair workers and their risk factors and to evaluate the effect of health educational program. Methods: The study was conducted among 106 motor vehicle repair workers. All participants were personally interviewed at their workshops and were subjected to Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire, dermal exposure KAP questionnaire, dermatological examination and health educational program, then, evaluation of the effect of health program was done after 2 month. Results: Exclusively occupational dermatoses were (18.9%); followed by work-related dermatoses (17.9%), Chronic contact dermatitis was the most frequent exclusively occupational dermatoses (12.26%) followed by tar/oil acneform rash (3.77%) and mechanical injury (3.77%). Xerosis (6.6%) and hyperpigmentation (4.71%) were the most frequent work-related dermatoses. lack of use of personal protective equipment, older age, longer duration of work, exposure to chemical hazards and car mechanics were the independent risk factors. a significant improvement in the participants' knowledge about dermal exposure, behavioral action for prevention and overall belief (pre/post-intervention) (p < 0.01).