Arsenic in Dermatology.
BACKGROUND
Arsenic is a chemical carcinogen that exists naturally and in the workplace.


OBJECTIVE
Review exposure, clinical signs of arsenic exposure, and the carcinogenic potential.


METHODS
Review of literature.


RESULTS
Arsenic is a known carcinogen that occurs both naturally and in the workplace. It causes cutaneous malignancies, hyperpigmentation, palmer and plantar keratosis, and internal malignancies, especially of the lung and bladder.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure risks need to be well publicized. Those people with known exposure need regular full skin exams as well as close follow-up by their primary care physician.
Maloney
M E
ME
Division of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, 17033, USA.
D001151:Arsenic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020261:Arsenic Poisoning; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D011041:Poisoning / Q000150:complications; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D001151:Arsenic