Chloracne is a rare skin condition caused by exposure to certain toxic chemicals, such as dioxins. Symptoms include oily skin, whiteheads, blackheads, inflamed cysts, and other skin conditions. Treatment is symptomatic, and most legions resolve within two years of cessation of exposure.
Chloracne is a rare skin condition caused by overexposure to certain toxic chemicals. First reported in German industrial workers in 1897, the condition was originally believed to be caused by exposure to chlorine. However, in the mid-1950s, chloracne was linked to exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons known collectively as chlorachnogens.
Chloracne is most commonly associated with exposure to dioxins or byproducts of certain chemical processes such as herbicide manufacturing. While the condition is usually caused by direct exposure to the skin, it can also result from the inhalation or ingestion of chlorachnogenic agents. Because chlorachnogens are fat soluble, they can be stored in body fat for long periods after initial exposure.
The first signs of chloracne usually appear within three to four weeks of exposure. However, because the chemicals are stored in body fat, it may take a few months for the signs to appear. In case of massive exposure, chloracne can develop within days.
In its early stages, chloracne can start with excessive oiliness of the skin. This oiliness is followed by the development of numerous open and closed comedones, commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads, as well as inflamed cysts. The lesions usually appear on the face, behind the ears, and in the armpit and groin region. In extreme cases, the patient may also develop legions on the arms, legs, hands and feet.
Patients showing signs of chloracne may experience other skin conditions, such as sweaty palms and soles, as well as pigmentation, increased hair growth, and blisters on exposed skin. The skin may also become thicker and start to peel. Other symptoms of dioxin exposure include sleep disturbances, nervous conditions, and abnormal liver function.
Once chloracne has been identified in a patient, immediate action is to remove the individual from the source of exposure. Following this, treatment for chloracne is symptomatic. Severe cysts and pustules can be cauterized. Common acne medications or oral antibiotics can also be effective in treating chloracne.
With or without treatment, most legions of chloracne resolve within two years of cessation of exposure to the causative agents. However, with very prolonged exposure, it may take much longer for the fat cells to rid themselves of the harmful chemicals. In general, the course of the disease varies greatly depending on the particular chemicals involved and the severity of the exposure.
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