Chloracne, skin disease

Chloracne is a disease of the pilosebaceous apparatus of the skin (the hair and glands that produce oil) similar to acne that is caused by exposure to certain chemicals. In many cases, it can be the first sign of dangerous health poisonings such as dioxins.

• It has been linked to poisoning through chemicals present in environmental pollution and in contaminated food.
• Redness of the face is the first symptom, followed by the appearance of pimples, pustules and cysts on the face and neck, which then spread to the trunk, extremities and genitals.
• A diet with fat substitutes can accelerate the elimination of the substances that cause chloracne.

How is Chloracne produced?

In its day it was called chloracne because it was believed to be caused by exposure of the skin to chlorinated products. In fact, it was first diagnosed in 1887 in German workers who worked with bleach.

However, it was later found to be caused by chemical compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, derived from petroleum. In recent years, it has been linked to poisoning by dioxins, which are chemicals that can be present in environmental pollution and contaminated food.

Symptoms of the disease

The first symptom is usually redness or swelling of the face. Later, comedones (pimples), pustules, and cysts similar to those of the. They initially appear on the face and neck, and then spread to the trunk, extremities, and genitalia. Typically, the lesions respect the nose, as well as the area around the mouth and eyes.

As it is a poisoning that affects the whole body, there are not only symptoms on the skin. Fatigue, loss of appetite, neuropathy, impotence, anemia, liver disorders, or arthritis are common symptoms of this disease.

How is it diagnosed?

If a person exhibits these types of symptoms and works in an industrial area where chemicals are involved, they are most likely suffering from this disease. Another possibility is contamination of water or food, which has even been described for criminal reasons. The well-known case of Victor Yushchenko, the Ukrainian politician who was tried to assassinate by poisoning with tetrachlorodibenzodioxine, is the most famous.

The diagnosis is confirmed by testing the blood for the responsible chemicals.

Chloracne treatment

Chloracne-causing substances persist for a long time in the body. It takes up to two or three years to eliminate them, and even longer in some people. Symptoms can be alleviated with corticosteroids or retinoic acid derivatives, but treatment is based on waiting for the body to eliminate them. It has been suggested that a diet with fat substitutes could accelerate elimination.

Precautionary measures

Health authorities have the obligation to ensure the health of the environment and workers. Its competencies include conducting regular water and air analyzes to rule out the presence of dangerous amounts of dioxins and other pollutants.