Workers exposed to a variety of chemicals can develop acne. Resolution of the acne requires discontinuation of the exposure.
Chloracne (acne associated with chlorinated compounds) may develop in persons exposed to certain chlorinated compounds (see below). The exposure may be an ingestion, inhalation or skin contact.
Causes of chloracne include:
(1) dioxins (TCDD)
(2) chlorinated herbicides
(3) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)
(4) chlorinated naphthalenes
Chloracne consists of small, yellowish cysts that develop primarily over the face, neck and upper trunk. The acne may develop 1 to 3 weeks after the exposure and last for up to 3 years.
Occupational acne may occur if fats and oils obstruct the pilosebaceous units:
(1) lubricating oils
(2) vegetable oils
(3) petroleum products
This form of acne is temporally related to the exposure, occurs over exposed skin, and reverts on reversal of the exposure.
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