[Dermatoses in the metallurgy industry]

The authors proceeded to a skin examination of 1,194 consecutive workers in a cutlery industry with 3,692 employees, in order to detect any cutaneous alterations among them. Only 223 (18.7%) had no skin pathology. Most of them, 971 (81.3%) presented some cutaneous disorder, related or not with their work. Hyperkeratosis of the fingers and hands (262 cases) caused by repeated traumas due to the manipulation of the instruments of work were the most noticeable and specific occupational skin alteration. In second place in order of frequency were the intertriginous mycotic inflammation of the toes: 255 cases. The authors call attention to the low incidence of the sexually transmitted diseases as well as of scabies, pediculosis and impetigo.