Soluble oil dermatitis: a review

Cutting fluid technology has rapidly developed, presenting dermatologists and occupational physicians with a changing pattern of skin disease. The use of soluble oils has increased, and has been followed by an increase in the incidence of eczematous dermatitis. This is usually an endemic, chronic, irritant contact dermatitis, but thorough patch testing can also reveal allergic contact dermatitis. In conditions of heavy exposure, the prevalence of dermatitis can be as high as 30 per cent. Individual susceptibility is very variable. Research into resistance factors in those who do not develop dermatitis, and susceptibility factors in those who do, may elucidate basic mechanisms of irritancy. Efforts must continue to be directed at prevention because, once established, soluble oil dermatitis can be slow to resolve, even after specialist treatment and change of job. Prevention can be directed at the machine operative, the soluble oil, and the machine.