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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

In Vitro Scratch Assay to Demonstrate Effects of Arsenic on Skin Cell Migration
Published on: February 23, 2019
Fatalities following skin exposure to arsenic
A Majid Cheraghali1, Soheila Haghqoo, Gloria Shalviri
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Baqiyatallah Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. m.cheraghali@bmsu.ac.ir
Abstract:
Arsenic is a toxic metal that can cause death following exposure. In an unusual event, seven patients unintentionally applied a 30% arsenic solution to their entire body instead of a benzyl benzoate solution to treat their scabies. Hours later they developed severe skin reactions, including bullae, and were admitted to the hospital with gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders. Despite therapeutic interventions, three patients died and the rest were discharged from hospital with neurological sequelae. Toxicological analysis confirmed the presence of arsenic in the solution used by patients.
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