Veterans' Health Issues Main Index

Chloracne

Chloracne is a rare acne-like skin condition caused by certain toxic chemicals including the dioxins. It develops a few months after swallowing, inhaling or touching the responsible agent.

Most cases are due to occupational exposure but it can also arise after accidental environmental poisoning. One hundred and ninety-three cases of chloracne resulted from an industrial accident in Seveso, Italy in 1976.

Chloracne is caused by exposure to halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, which are most often found in:

1. Fungicides
2. Insecticides
3. Herbicides
4. Wood preservatives

Chloracne is the most common skin sign of dioxin poisoning. Responsible chemicals include:

1. Chlornaphthalene
2. Polychlorbiphenyls
3. Polychlorinated dibenzofurone
4. Chlorophenol contaminants
5. Trifluoromethyls
6. Pyrazole derivatives
7. Chlorobenzene

The features of chloracne are:

1. Open and closed comedones (whiteheads and blackheads)
2. Uninflamed nodules and cysts

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1. Blackheads and cysts
2. Inflammatory lesions
3. Chloracne blackheads

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The lesions are most often seen on the cheeks, behind the ears, in the armpits and in the groins. Although they resemble acne, the skin is not usually oily; in fact the oil glands are often smaller than usual.

Other skin problems seen in patients with chloracne include:

1. Sweaty palms and soles (hyperhidrosis)
2. Porphyria cutanea tarda (pigmentation, increased hair growth and blisters on exposed skin)

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Other health problems

Other health problems may include:

1. Abnormal liver function
2. Tiredness
3. Nerve conditions (neuropathy and encephalopathy)
4. High levels of circulating blood fats (hyperlipidaemia)
5. Impotence

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