Chlorothalonil, a possible cause of erythema dyschromicum perstans (ashy dermatitis)

Contact Dermatitis. 1996 Oct;35(4):214-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1996.tb02360.x.

Abstract

We studied 39 patients with erythema-dyschromicum-perstans-like dermatitis seen at Changuinola Hospital in Panama. They were compared with 41 controls. The 2 groups were native field workers of the banana plantations exposed to many pesticides. In 34 patients, there was a positive patch test reaction to 2,4,5,6-1,3-tetrachloroisophthalonilnitrile (chlorothalonil, TCPN) 0.001% in acetone. In 39 cases, biopsies showed a lichenoid tissue reaction compatible with a chronic pigmented dermatitis or erythema-dyschromicum-perstans-like dermatitis. Chlorothalonil is possibly the cause of the pigmented dermatitis observed in the 39 banana farm workers studied. Until additional studies are carried out, we consider this a possible rather than definite cause-and-effect relationship.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agriculture*
  • Biopsy
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / epidemiology*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / pathology
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / epidemiology*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / pathology
  • Fruit
  • Fungicides, Industrial / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Indians, South American*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitriles / adverse effects*
  • Panama / epidemiology
  • Patch Tests

Substances

  • Fungicides, Industrial
  • Nitriles
  • tetrachloroisophthalonitrile