BACKGROUND
In Korea, the only case of occupational erythema multiforme was found to be due to Bolivian rosewood, but there has been no case due to occupational chemicals in the manufacturing industry. Here, we report a case of erythema multiforme caused by dichlone and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine(DCB) in a dye worker.
CASE
REPORT: We report a 43-year-old male worker manifesting erythema multiforme-like skin lesions during the DCB synthesis, The patient's dermatitis was relieved when he avoided the process, and it became aggravated when he restarted his work. Patch and prick tests confirmed positive irritant reactions to two chemicals.
CONCLUSION
This case was diagnosed as erythema multiforme based on clinical manifestations. Symptoms worsened upon exposure to chemicals while avoiding exposure improved symptoms. Skin test results showed that dichlone and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine induced irritant reactions. We assume that erythema multiforme occurring in workers is an occupational skin disease likely caused by dichlone and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine.