Korean J Dermatol.  2016 Nov;54(9):683-692.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Potential Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Agents and Their Clinical Management

Affiliations
  • 1CBR Defense Research Institute, R.O.K. CBRN Defense Command, Seoul, Korea.
  • 2Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. yymmpark6301@hotmail.com

Abstract

The level of terrorist threats using chemical, biological, and radiological agents has been continuously increasing, and it is an undeniable truth that these agents are actually in use today. The fact that most chemical, biological, and radiological agents cause skin-related symptoms, and that the skin symptoms are observed at a relatively early stage of the condition, leads to the conclusion that dermatologists could be the first point of contact for potential victims of these agents. It is highly important that first responders are able to recognize symptoms caused by these agents early and react quickly. Therefore, dermatologists do have a responsibility to take on a role in dealing with chemical, biological, and radiological attacks, and pre-equip themselves with professional knowledge in this field. Among the various types of chemical agents, typical examples of agents causing skin-related symptoms are blistering agents, which lead to bullae and necrosis on the skin. Biological agents are classified from Category A to C according to their respective risk factors. The most dangerous Category A agents include anthrax, smallpox, plague, tularemia, and viral hemorrhagic fever, all of which are known to show characteristic skin-related symptoms. Upon exposure to a certain level of radiation, radiological agents can also lead to erythema on the skin. In this article, we will discuss various characteristics and up-to-date treatment methods of potential chemical, biological, and radiological agents to help dermatologists advance their knowledge in this field.

Keyword

Biological agent; Chemical agent; Radiological agent; Terrorism; Weapon

MeSH Terms

Anthrax
Biological Factors
Blister
Erythema
Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral
Necrosis
Plague
Risk Factors
Skin
Smallpox
Terrorism
Tularemia
Weapons
Biological Factors
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