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Generalized eruption with severe liver dysfunction associated with occupational exposure to trichloroethylene
H Nakayama1, M Kobayashi, M Takahashi
1Department of Dermatology, Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Contact Dermatitis
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Generalized dermatitis from trichloroethylene is uncommon. A printer developed severe skin reactions, fever, and liver issues after occupational exposure, indicating a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction.
Area of Science:
- Occupational dermatology
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Background:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent with known health risks.
- Generalized dermatitis is a rare manifestation of TCE exposure.
- Understanding immune responses to chemical exposures is crucial for workplace safety.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old printer experienced exfoliative dermatitis.
- Symptoms included mucous membrane involvement, fever, and liver dysfunction.
- Onset occurred after a 2-week occupational exposure to trichloroethylene.
Findings:
- Patch testing revealed positive reactions to trichloroethylene and its metabolite, trichloroethanol.
- The observed dermatitis is hypothesized to be a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction.
- This case highlights a specific immune-mediated response to TCE.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for rare, severe dermatological reactions to trichloroethylene.
- It emphasizes the importance of recognizing delayed-type hypersensitivity in occupational dermatitis.
- Findings suggest trichloroethanol may play a role in TCE-induced hypersensitivity.
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