S Radhakrishnan1, Ajay Chopra2, Debdeep Mitra3, R Gnanasekaran4, R Kanagaraj5. 1. Senior Advisor & Head (Dermatology & STD), Command Hospital Air Force, Bangalore 560007, India. 2. Senior Advisor (Dermatology & STD), Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt 110010, India. 3. Graded Specialist (Dermatology & STD), 5 Air Force Hospital, C/o 99 APO, India. 4. Assistant Professor (Dermatology), Velammal Medical College Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625009, India. 5. Assistant Surgeon, O/o Deputy Director Medical Services (Leprosy), Collectorate, Salem District, Tamil Nadu 636001, India.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ground crew of the Air Force routinely handle aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and lubricants and a need was felt to study the adverse effects of these substances on their skin so that remedial measures could be taken to prevent these adverse effects. METHODS: A multi-centric, cross-sectional, observational study was performed at three Air Force flying stations. 109 ground crew members of the Indian Air Force (IAF) who were in direct contact with ATF and lubricants were screened for dermatological manifestations on exposed areas. History of atopy was elicited, systemic and dermatological examination done and occlusive patch testing carried out where indicated. Fungal infections were excluded by a potassium hydroxide mount. RESULTS: 20 out of the 109 personnel (18.34%) were symptomatic in the form of mild irritant contact dermatitis. There was no case of allergic contact dermatitis. Only two cases showed an irritant reaction on patch testing. 65% of the symptomatic personnel were atopic. There was no predisposing trade or age group for adverse effects to ATF. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that contact with ATF is associated with only mild irritant contact dermatitis in exposed ground crew members of the IAF and atopy was a predisposing factor for susceptibility to the dermatitis.
BACKGROUND: Ground crew of the Air Force routinely handle aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and lubricants and a need was felt to study the adverse effects of these substances on their skin so that remedial measures could be taken to prevent these adverse effects. METHODS: A multi-centric, cross-sectional, observational study was performed at three Air Force flying stations. 109 ground crew members of the Indian Air Force (IAF) who were in direct contact with ATF and lubricants were screened for dermatological manifestations on exposed areas. History of atopy was elicited, systemic and dermatological examination done and occlusive patch testing carried out where indicated. Fungal infections were excluded by a potassium hydroxide mount. RESULTS: 20 out of the 109 personnel (18.34%) were symptomatic in the form of mild irritant contact dermatitis. There was no case of allergic contact dermatitis. Only two cases showed an irritant reaction on patch testing. 65% of the symptomatic personnel were atopic. There was no predisposing trade or age group for adverse effects to ATF. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that contact with ATF is associated with only mild irritant contact dermatitis in exposed ground crew members of the IAF and atopy was a predisposing factor for susceptibility to the dermatitis.