Dermatological diseases associated with exposure to petroleum: a narrative literature review

• Autores: Jaramillo-Aguilar, Damary S., Cañar-Calderón , Adrián Esteban, Feijoo-Rojas , Lirys Yulexi, Flores-Carpio , Digna Isabel, Guamán-Caguana , Tania Alexandra, Cordero-Calderón, Adriana Raquel
• Formato: artículo
• Fecha de Publicación: 2025
• Institución: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
• Repositorio: Revistas - Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
• Lenguaje: español
• OAI Identifier: oai:revistas.upch.edu.pe:article/5848
• Enlace del recurso: https://revistas.upch.edu.pe/index.php/RMH/article/view/5848
• Nivel de acceso: acceso abierto
• Materia: contaminación por petróleo; petróleo; industria del petróleo y gas; enfermedades de la piel; petroleum pollution; petroleum; oil and gas industry; skin diseases

Few studies have explored the dermatological effects of exposure to petroleum. This narrative review aimed to identify the most common skin diseases related to this exposure. A literature search from 2019 to 2024 was performed in PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and LILACS in both English and Spanish. Fifty-two publications were included. Petroleum mainly consists of hydrocarbons; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons induce skin effects through a cycle of oxidative stress, inflammation, and skin barrier dysfunction. Frequently reported conditions included acne, cancer, dermatitis, burns, pigment changes, and unspecified disorders. Nail and hair issues were also noted. Exposure to petroleum induces distinct dermatological pathologies and worsens existing conditions. More epidemiological and experimental studies are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.