Skin lesions as a sign of subacute pentachlorophenol intoxication

Abstract

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and its sodium salt are frequently used in wood preservatives. Little is known about the effects on man when being chronically exposed. Only vague skin symptoms, such as rashes, acne and cutaneous infections were described. We present two cases of pemphigus vulgaris with a known non-occupational chronic PCP exposure. The clinical course and the titer of pemphigus antibodies roughly correlate with the PCP levels in serum. In one case of chronic urticaria the exacerbations also run parallel to the PCP serum levels and increased anti-skin antibodies, without any manifestation of pemphigus vulgaris. The role of PCP as one of the causes provoking pemphigus vulgaris and chronic urticaria with raised anti-skin antibodies is discussed.