Mixed diquat/paraquat-induced burns

Ducatalon is a bipyridylium herbicide containing a mixture of diquat and paraquat, and is used in agriculture. Adverse reactions due to contact of this compound with the skin have rarely been described.

Two men were seen for severe pain due to extensive chemical burns in the perineal and scrotal regions, caused by leaking of Ducatalon from defective equipment used for spraying the herbicide. The lesions responded well to treatment with topical silver sulfadiazine, combined with systemic antibiotics. The damaged skin healed without scarring within a few days. The lesions have not recurred after the faulty spraying apparatus was replaced.

Direct contact of the skin with Ducatalon may lead to severe chemical burns. Proper precautions should be taken by the personnel handling this compound, with particular attention to the integrity of the equipment used for spraying the herbicide.