Temporary skin damage may occur from exposure to chemicals. For example, many workers may experience dry, red, cracked skin from contact with water, soaps, gasoline, and certain types of solvents. These health problems usually heal quickly when the skin is no longer in contact with the substance.

What does solvent do to skin?

Many solvents will pass right through your skin. Solvents will also remove the oils in your skin, leaving your hands very dry and cracked, if your skin comes in direct contact with a solvent, or is immersed in solvent.

What substance may cause skin damage?

A brief contact with a corrosive substance, e.g. strong acids, wet cement and alkalis can lead to severe skin damage (burns) and skin scarring. If the skin comes into repeated contact with skin-stressing substances, this can cause contact dermatitis.