What is Chloracne?

Chloracne is the main symptom of chlorinated hydrocarbon poisoning. Although chloracne has a different cause than conventional acne (acne vulgaris), it has an acne-like appearance. Typical features include blackheads (comedones), a thickening of the stratum corneum, and inflammatory abscesses and nodules on the affected areas of skin.

Dioxin poisoning as a possible cause

Among the chlorinated hydrocarbons are the so-called dioxins. Dioxins are chemical compounds that are formed when chlorine-containing products are manufactured, melted or burned and are carcinogenic and highly toxic even in small amounts. They are used, for example, in some pesticides, wood preservatives or certain hydraulic oils, but are also present in low concentrations in foods such as eggs.

The toxic dioxins can be absorbed through direct skin contact and, in rare cases, by the oral route or by inhalation of toxic vapors. Chloracne is therefore considered a form of contact acne (acne venenata), which is a skin reaction caused by direct contact with a particular substance. The face is particularly frequently affected by the skin changes.

Chloracne as a result of a visit to the swimming pool?

Chloracne should not be confused with a chlorine allergy, which can occur as a result of a visit to a swimming pool. A chlorine allergy manifests itself as an itchy rash or by burning eyes after contact with the chlorinated water. Such complaints are often mistakenly interpreted as chloracne. However, the occurrence of chloracne is, on the one hand, linked to much higher chlorine concentrations than are reached in swimming pools. Secondly, it is not caused by pure chlorine, but by interactions of chlorine with other chemical substances. Chloracne occurs primarily as an occupational disease in workers in the electrical and chemical industries who are continuously exposed to chemicals containing chlorine.

Treatment of chloracne

Treatment of chloracne can be done, for example, by opening and draining the cysts and administering anti-inflammatory or hormone medications. However, the effectiveness of retinoids (vitamin A acid preparations) for chloracne control is controversial.

Cold therapy (cryotherapy) can be used to alleviate scarring. This involves the short-term application of ice to remove excessive scar tissue and various other tissue disorders. Skin peeling or plastic procedures such as skin removal (dermabrasion) are also options for treatment. However, in a chronic course, disfiguring scars often remain on the affected skin areas despite therapy. It can take several years until chloracne is finally cured.

Seveso acne

Chloracne is also known as “Seveso acne.” The name comes from a chemical accident in the Italian city of Seveso in 1976 that released massive amounts of the highly toxic dioxin and sickened more than 200 people.