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Long-Term Risk of Dermatoses Following Sulfur Mustard Exposure: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Parviz Toossi1, SeyedHasan Etemadzadeh2, Mohammadreza Sedighimoghadam3
1Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
International Journal of Dermatology
|October 5, 2025
Summary
Sulfur mustard (SM) exposure, even a single dose, significantly increases the risk of chronic skin conditions and dermatoses in survivors. This study highlights the long-term dermatological impact of chemical warfare agents.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Warfare Agents
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sulfur mustard (SM) was used extensively during the Iraq-Iran War.
- Assessing long-term health effects of chemical warfare is crucial for veteran care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of skin conditions in sulfur mustard-exposed survivors compared to unexposed individuals.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study compared 1538 SM-exposed survivors with 1425 controls.
- Participants underwent clinical evaluations by dermatologists.
Main Results:
- SM survivors showed significantly higher rates of chronic diseases, history of dermatoses, and need for dermatologic care.
- Itching, burning sensations, and dry skin were most prevalent in the exposed group.
- Higher odds of blistering disorders, warts, pruritus, xerosis, neurodermatitis, lichen simplex chronicus, and excoriated dermatitis were observed in SM survivors.
Conclusions:
- Single-dose SM exposure leads to significantly more long-lasting skin conditions.
- The findings underscore the persistent dermatological burden on chemical warfare survivors.
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