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Nargile (Hubble-Bubble) smoking-induced hand eczema
Meltem Onder1, Murat Oztas, Onder Arnavut
1Gazi University School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Ankara, Turkey.
International Journal of Dermatology
|November 28, 2002
Summary
Nargile (hubble-bubble) pipe smoking can cause a specific type of hand eczema. This case study shows that stopping this habit and using topical treatments effectively resolved the eczema.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hand eczema is a common condition with various etiologies.
- Identifying occupational or environmental triggers is crucial for effective management.
- Nargile (hubble-bubble) smoking is a social habit with potential health implications.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old man presented with chronic, scaly, fissured hand eczema on the right index finger and thumb.
- The patient reported daily, prolonged use of a nargile pipe for over 30 years.
- Standard patch tests and KOH examinations were negative, ruling out common allergens and fungal infections.
Findings:
- A diagnosis of Nargile (hubble-bubble) eczema was established based on the clinical presentation and patient's smoking habit.
- The patient's eczema resolved within two weeks after discontinuing nargile use and initiating topical corticosteroids and emollients.
Implications:
- This case highlights nargile smoking as a potential, albeit uncommon, cause of hand eczema.
- Dermatologists should consider nargile use when evaluating patients with hand eczema of unclear origin.
- Public health awareness regarding the dermatological risks associated with nargile smoking may be warranted.