Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2012 Sep;24(3):311-318.

An Occupational Erythema Multifome Case of a Worker Exposed to Dichlone and 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine in a Dye Manufacturing Process

• Yong JS
• Kim JW
• Kim EA

Abstract

BACKGROUND
In Korea, the only case of occupational erythema multiforme was found to be due to Bolivian rosewood, but there has been no case due to occupational chemicals in the manufacturing industry. Here, we report a case of erythema multiforme caused by dichlone and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine(DCB) in a dye worker.
CASE REPORT
We report a 43-year-old male worker manifesting erythema multiforme-like skin lesions during the DCB synthesis, The patient's dermatitis was relieved when he avoided the process, and it became aggravated when he restarted his work. Patch and prick tests confirmed positive irritant reactions to two chemicals.
CONCLUSION
This case was diagnosed as erythema multiforme based on clinical manifestations. Symptoms worsened upon exposure to chemicals while avoiding exposure improved symptoms. Skin test results showed that dichlone and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine induced irritant reactions. We assume that erythema multiforme occurring in workers is an occupational skin disease likely caused by dichlone and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine.

Keyword

Erythema multiforme; Occupational; Contact dermatitis; 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine; Dichlone

MeSH Terms

3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine
Adult
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, Contact
Erythema
Erythema Multiforme
Humans
Korea
Male
Naphthoquinones
Skin
Skin Diseases
Skin Tests
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine
Naphthoquinones

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Skin hyperpigmentation of whole body.

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  Fig. 2 Result of skin prick test. Erythematous skin eruption developed after 24 hours at skin prick test site by 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine.

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  Fig. 3 Non-standard patch tests are conducted and cheked (A) after 48 hours and (B) after 96 hours. Positive results were appeared at sites that potassium dichromate(site 1), cobalt(II)chloride hexahydrate(number 5), nickelsulfate hexahydrate(site 7), dichlone(site 28), 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine(number 35) were injected.

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