Tar keratosesL85.8

Precancerous skin changes (obligatory precancerosis) with keratotic papules, wart-like keratoses or keratoacanthomas after years of tar exposure. Recognized occupational skin disease (BK No. 5102) in tar workers, chimney sweeps and paraffin workers. Carcinogenic effects are mainly caused by the following compounds occurring in tar: 3,4-benzpyrene, 1,2,5,6-dibenzanthracene, methylcholanthrene and others.

Especially face, neck, back of the hands, forearms, scrotal skin. Sunlight as a cofactor is known, but may be overrated.

If possible, excision or electrosurgical ablation. Possibly ablation with the erbium YAG laser. Regular monitoring of the skin to exclude malignant tumours.