Occupational irritant contact dermatitis and fungal infection in construction workers.

We have examined 6 construction workers who developed chronic skin diseases on their hands over a period of 15 years (1970-1985). 4 developed a Trichophyton rubrum infection, and the other 2 an irritant contact dermatitis. All of them carried out jobs which caused traumatization of the skin, due to the presence of ethylene glycol and mineral oils during operation of pneumatic hammers in winter. They also suffered other types of skin trauma during their work. Construction workers may be at risk of developing an occupational skin disease involving fungal infection.