title: Cutting fluids. Their use and effects on the skin.
abstract: Metalworking fluids are liquids that flow or are sprayed over metal that is being altered mechanically or physically. Cutting fluids tend to be alkaline and are often soap-like. As such they denature keratin, defat the skin, and remove water from it, causing dryness, fissures, and frank eczematization. Cutting oil dermatitis is a difficult problem for the involved worker who must continue to support his family despite the presence of this progressive, pruritic, and painful eruption.
mesh_terms: D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007219:Industrial Oils / Q000009:adverse effects; D008153:Lubrication; D008669:Metallurgy