Sulfur mustard skin lesions: A systematic review on pathomechanisms, treatment options and future research directions

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 17, 2026

High Throughput SiRNA Screening for Chloropicrin and Hydrogen Fluoride-Induced Cornea Epithelial Cell Injury
14:20

High Throughput SiRNA Screening for Chloropicrin and Hydrogen Fluoride-Induced Cornea Epithelial Cell Injury

Published on: June 16, 2018

6.8K

Dorothee Rose1, Annette Schmidt2, Matthias Brandenburger1

  • 1Department of Translational Medicine and Cell Technology, Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology and Cell Technology, Mönkhofer Weg 239a, 23562, Lübeck, Germany; Institute of Medical and Marine Biotechnology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23652, Lübeck, Germany.

Toxicology Letters
|December 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Sulfur mustard (SM) causes severe skin lesions, but its exact effects are unclear. Research highlights the need for better treatments targeting systemic effects and SM depots for chronic damage.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Dermatology
  • Chemical Warfare Agents

Background:

  • Sulfur mustard (SM) is a persistent chemical warfare agent with severe vesicant properties.
  • Despite its long history of use, the precise pathomechanisms of SM toxicity remain incompletely understood.
  • Currently, no specific therapies exist for SM-induced injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and summarize current knowledge on SM pathology and pathomechanisms.
  • To provide an overview of novel experimental treatment options for SM-induced skin lesions.
  • To identify promising research targets for effective countermeasures against SM effects.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of studies published between January 2000 and July 2017.
  • Analysis focused on pathomechanisms and experimental treatments of SM-induced skin lesions.
  • Synthesis of existing literature to identify knowledge gaps and future research directions.

Main Results:

  • Current understanding of SM pathology is incomplete, particularly regarding systemic effects.
  • SM depots contribute to chronic skin damage through continuous release of the active compound.
  • A range of experimental treatments have been investigated, but none are yet specific or widely established.

Conclusions:

  • Future research should prioritize understanding the systemic distribution and effects of SM.
  • Developing strategies to eliminate SM depots is crucial for preventing chronic skin damage.
  • Therapeutic interventions must address the pleiotropic, multifaceted effects of SM intoxication.
Keywords:
CEESCell deathMustard gasOxidative stressVesicantWarfare toxicant

More Related Videos

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis11:39

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis

Published on: July 11, 2013

39.5K
Assessment of Endothelial Cell Migration After Exposure to Toxic Chemicals07:07

Assessment of Endothelial Cell Migration After Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Published on: July 10, 2015

9.2K

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.2K
Sulfur Assimilation01:20

Sulfur Assimilation

Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to...
389
Toxic Reactions: Overview01:26

Toxic Reactions: Overview

When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
2.4K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.0K