Chloracne L70.8

Herxheimer 1899

This is usually caused by accidental exposure to halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, which are released, for example, in industrial accidents. Also in case of feed contamination and poisoning. Dioxin plays a special role in triggering chloracne. Perchloronaphthalene is the trigger of the PERNA disease.

Triggers are polychlorinated and polybrominated naphthalenes and biphenols, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, tetrachloroazobenzene, tetrachloroazooxybenzene.

Halogenated hydrocarbons bind to the dioxin receptor, a cytosolic and nuclear transcription factor which plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth and cellular differentiation.

Halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons interrupt endocrine signaling axes and increase carcinogenesis.

Contamination can occur via the skin, the gastrointestinal tract or the respiratory tract. Creeping or peracute chloracne usually appears a few weeks after contamination as a monitoring sign of intoxication.

Multiple open and closed comedones and inflammatory cysts form in all areas with terminal hair and sebaceous gland follicles. Also acne-inversa-like and acne-conglobata-like symptoms.

Systemic side effects include neurological, cardiological, nephrological and gastrointestinal damage.

Quick and thorough removal of sources of contamination (including contaminated clothing).

1. Bock KW (2016) Toward elucidation of dioxin-mediated chloracne and Ah receptor functions. Biochem Pharmacol 112:1-5.