title: A retrospective review of the dermatologic manifestations of chronic arsenic poisoning in the Philippines.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Section of Dermatology of the University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, reported a case of chronic arsenic poisoning from a community in Luzon island to the Department of Health resulting in the conduct of two health and environmental assessment missions in December 2014.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the demographic profile and cutaneous manifestations of chronic arsenic poisoning among affected residents in Luzon, Philippines.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of the medical records of 116 residents screened during the health assessment missions in December 2014 was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 116 residents screened, 81 (70%) had clinically confirmed arsenic keratoses and hyperpigmentation. Among them, 52 were males and 29 were females with age range of 4-82 years. Two cases of squamous cell carcinoma in situ were detected through skin biopsy. High levels of arsenic in the tap water and topsoil supported the occurrence of an epidemic of chronic arsenic poisoning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Specific dermatologic findings of arsenic keratoses and pigmentation were common among the residents screened. Significantly higher occurrence of arsenic keratoses was seen in adults.
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines.
authors.forename: Sheena Maureen T
authors.initials: SMT
authors.lastname: Sy
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines.
authors.forename: Charissa M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Salud-Gnilo
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines.
authors.forename: Claudine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yap-Silva
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines.
authors.forename: Erin Jane L
authors.initials: EJL
authors.lastname: Tababa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis; D020261:Arsenic Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D060766:Drinking Water / Q000737:chemistry; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007642:Keratosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010679:Philippines / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D060766:Drinking Water; D012987:Soil; D001151:Arsenic