Λεξικό .. Arsenic

Arsenic is a chemical element used as an inorganic added to alloys, as an insecticide and weed-killer. Arsphenamine is an organic ligh yellow powder containing 30-32% of arsenic. It is used in syphilis, yaws and other protozoan infections. The mechanism of developing metal dermatitis is the irritation and sensitization. Sources of exposure are the occupational (inorganic arsenic) in patients, medical use (as arsphenamine). Clinically the dermatitis is manifested as an eczematous one with folliculitis, furuncles and ulcers. Diagnosis is based on patch testing with sodium arsenite 10%. Differential diagnosis is done from other causes of contact dermatitis. Management is that of acute, subacute, or chronic eczematous eruption [1, 2]..

References

Canizares, O.: Shering Corporation, U.S.A. Atlas of Contact Dermatitis. 1985, p. 15.

Mohamed KB. Occupational contact dermatitis from arsenic in a tin-smelting factory. Contact Dermatitis. 1998 Apr;38(4):224-5.