Synopsis Non-allergic contact dermatitis is a major dermatological problem for the workmen of an important factory which manufactures industrial machines (SAIMP SpA) located at Padua. Such dermatitis is due to the presence in the environment of paints, solvents, surfactants, lubricants and metal powders (steel and cast-iron). As medical treatment, the factory doctor practises the use of common barrier creams which do not give completely satisfactory results. To cope with this problem, some workmen were treated with preparations containing Fomblin HC. The highly successful results of this new type of treatment are reported: among other findings this study shows, through experimental evidence, that Fomblin HC has a protective effect not only against water soluble substances but also against oil soluble substances (in fact, the latter are probably the main cause of contact dermatitis contracted by these workmen).