Profile of skin diseases in a community of fishermen in the northern coast of the state of São Paulo: the expected and the unusual

Abstract: Background: The fishing colony of the Picinguaba neighborhood is located at the northern end of the coast of the state of São Paulo. It has about 300 residents, of which approximately 100 are professional fishermen. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the main dermatoses of the community in comparison with other populations, and their frequency. Methods: The dermatoses were identified and tabulated for two years, in a prospective study carried out on monthly trips to the fishermen's colony in Picinguaba. Results: One hundred and eighteen patients were attended and followed up, which is equivalent to about 1/3 of the colony's inhabitants. Of these, 43 were children (under the age of 14) and 75 were adolescents and adults. The diseases observed were catalogued according to the age groups. Although most dermatoses in the community were similar with those observed in the general population, some specific cases could be seen, such as folliculitis on the legs of fishermen and an unexpected low frequency of actinic lesions in the colony, as well as dermatitis by aquatic animals. Study Limitations: The limitations were monthly attendance and the spontaneous demand of the patients. Conclusions: The finding of community-specific dermatoses and the low incidence of malignant and pre-malignant tumors associated with sun exposure needs further studies for better clarification.

Chemical leukoderma induced by dimethyl sulfate

Abstract Chemical leukoderma occurs due to the toxic effect of a variety of chemical agents. Mechanisms include either destruction or inhibition of melanocytes. We report two male patients (36 and 51 years old) who presented with multiple hypopigmented macules and patches on the neck, wrist, and legs after exposure to dimethyl sulfate in a chemical industry. Physical examination revealed irregular depigmentation macules with sharp edges and clear hyperpigmentation around the lesions. History of repeated exposure to a chemical agent can help the clinical diagnosis of chemical leukoderma. This diagnosis is very important for prognosis and therapeutic management of the disease.

Elaioconiose: relato de caso / Elaioconiosis: case report

Elaioconiose é uma dermatose ocupacional do tipo acneiforme que afeta as áreas expostas de trabalhadores que lidam com óleos ou graxas. Atualmente, com o uso dos equipamentos de proteção individual, medidas de higiene pessoal e lavagem dos uniformes de trabalho, sua incidência diminuiu. Apesar de não ser uma doença rara, é pouco relatada na literatura, principalmente na nacional. Seu tratamento é lento e para a resolução das lesões, requer o afastamento do trabalhador de suas atividades laborativas.

Elaioconiosis is a work-related acneiform dermatosis which affects the exposed skin of individuals working with oils or greases. Its incidence has decreased with the introduction of personal protective equipment, personal hygiene measures and the cleaning of work clothes. Although not a rare disease, elaioconiosis is seldom reported in the literature, particularly in Brazil. Sufferers need to take time off work to proceed with the prolonged treatment to resolve the lesions caused by this condition.