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Chloracne is a rare skin condition caused by over-exposure to certain
toxic chemicals. First reported in German industrial workers in 1897, the condition was originally believed to be caused by
exposure to chlorine. However, in the mid-1950s, chloracne was linked with exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons known collectively
as chloracnogens.
Chloracne is most commonly associated with exposure to dioxins,
or byproducts from certain chemical processes such as the manufacture of herbicides. While the condition is usually caused
by direct skin exposure, it can also result from inhaling or swallowing chloracnogenic agents. Because chloracnogens are fat-soluble,
they may be stored in the body fat for long periods after initial exposure.
The first signs
of chloracne generally appear within three to four weeks of exposure. However, since the chemicals are stored in the body
fat, it may take a few months for the signs to appear. In the event of massive exposure, chloracne can develop within days.
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