US EPA

1479959 

Technical Report 

Occupational Acne, Including Chloracne 

Anonymous 

1983 

NIOSH/00153843 

Adams 

70-81 

Chloracne and occupational acne are reviewed. Treatment and prevention of oil acne involves avoiding contact with oils and greases and the practice of ordinary hygienic measures. Chloracne is more severe and persistant than oil acne. During World War 1, large outbreaks of chloracne occurred when chlorinated naphthalenes were substituted for natural waxes. An almost pandemic of occupational acne occurred during World War 2 as additional uses were found for chlorinated hydrocarbons. With the introduction of plastics and the gradual substitution of chlorinated hydrocarbons by synthetic resins, the incidence of chloracne has decreased. The first signs of chloracne are multiple, closed comedones and pale yellow cysts. As the disease increases in severity, the lesions become more numerous. Later inflammatory lesions appear along with larger cysts and abscesses. Scarring similar to that seen in cystic acne may occur. Other manifestations may include hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuritis, possible immune suppression, and possible carcinogenicity. The effect of chlorinated naphthalenes, polyhalogenated biphenyls 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (41903575), polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and pentachlorophenols are described. Treatment of chloracne often necessitates use of oral antibiotics, acne surgery, and dermabrasion. The authors conclude that the treatment of chloracne is often unsatisfactory so that prevention of exposure is necessary. 

DCN-139685; Skin; Occupational exposure; Clinical symptoms; Allergic disorders; Poison control; Occupational diseases; Workers; Clinical diagnosis; Poisons; Workplace studies; Skin diseases