title: [Chloroacetophenone allergy].
abstract: Chloroacetophenone (CN) is used as a tear gas for riot control and as a kind of chemical Mace against small groups or individuals. Among other side-effects, CN can evoke toxic and allergic contact dermatitis, and more rarely exanthematous or anaphylactic reactions. It is difficult to distinguish between toxic and allergic reactions both in the clinical picture of dermatitis as well as on the basis of skin test reactions. We report on a patient with allergic contact dermatitis, which first appeared 5 days after exposure to CN as a sign of primary sensitization, leading to an intense eczematous reaction in skin tests. Allergy to CN does not appear to represent a handicap in normal daily life because it is solely used as tear gas and is of little significance as regards "cross-allergies" to substances in the environment.
mesh_terms: D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D004485:Eczema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010328:Patch Tests; D002721:omega-Chloroacetophenone / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D007306:Insecticides; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D002721:omega-Chloroacetophenone
vernacular_title: Chloracetophenonallergie.