ABSTRACT
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. With a surface area of 1.5-2 m2 and thickness of 0.5-5 mm, it amounts to 15% of the total body weight. Thanks to its complexity and unique multilayer structure, this versatile organ forms an extremely effective barrier against a range of external factors-from solar irradiation to microbes and from mechanical trauma to xenobiotics and irritants (Spiewak 1998). Its durability is warranted by its continuous regeneration. The outermost layer of the skin-the epidermis-is fully renewed every 3-4 weeks, a process referred to as “epidermal cycle.” The function of an effective barrier between the internal environment and the external in±uence is not the only purpose of the largest organ-the skin also takes active part
CONTENTS
16.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 525 16.2 Problems with Terminology ............................................................................................. 526 16.3 Effects of Pesticides in the Skin ....................................................................................... 526 16.4 Pesticides and Autoimmunity ......................................................................................... 527 16.5 Pesticide-Related Skin Diseases ....................................................................................... 528
16.5.1 Chemical Burns ...................................................................................................... 528 16.5.2 Irritant Contact Dermatitis ................................................................................... 528 16.5.3 Phototoxic Contact Dermatitis ............................................................................. 528 16.5.4 Allergic Contact Dermatitis.................................................................................. 532 16.5.5 Photoallergic Contact Dermatitis ........................................................................533 16.5.6 Urticaria...................................................................................................................533 16.5.7 Erythema Multiforme ...........................................................................................533 16.5.8 Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans (Ashy Dermatosis) ..................................533 16.5.9 Acne .........................................................................................................................533 16.5.10 Porphyria Cutanea Tarda ...................................................................................534 16.5.11 Pigmentation Disorders ......................................................................................534 16.5.12 Nail Disorders ......................................................................................................534 16.5.13 Hair Disorders .....................................................................................................535 16.5.14 Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer ...............................................................................535 16.5.15 Melanoma ............................................................................................................. 536
16.6 Concluding Remarks ......................................................................................................... 536 Acknowledgment ........................................................................................................................ 536 References ..................................................................................................................................... 536
in metabolism, homeostasis, thermoregulation, and hormonal regulation. Next to the digestive tract, the skin is populated by the largest number of immune cells and plays a pivotal role in innate and adaptive immune response.
