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Agent Orange Side Effects on the Skin

Historically, Agent Orange was one of several herbicides sprayed by the U.S. government as a defoliant during the Vietnam War. The purpose of the product was to eradicate trees, shrubbery, and other jungle terrain that could provide concealment to enemies during combat. Agent Orange contains tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin, commonly referred to as simply dioxin or TCDD. The chemical is said to have caused a number of latent illnesses due to its highly toxic and carcinogenic properties. Among these illnesses, long-standing skin conditions have been reported among those exposed to the product.

  1. Chloracne

    • Perhaps the most common dermatologic disorder associated with Agent Orange exposure is chloracne. This long-term effect often mimics the common forms of acne that affect teenagers and is characterized by excessive oiliness of the skin, clusters of blackheads, fluid-filled cysts, and hyperpigmentation of facial skin. In more severe cases, the blackheads may appear in other locations such as the chest, back, behind the ears, or along the arms. While mild cases can gradually disappear, many people experience persistent symptoms and permanent scarring.

    Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

    • Although generally uncommon, there are notable associations between herbicide exposure and porphyria cutanea tarda, or PCT. In patients with human PCT, an important enzyme called uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) is universally deficient in the liver tissue, resulting in liver damage. This condition manifests through thinning and blistering of the skin in sun-exposed areas. Hyperpigmentation and excessive hair growth on areas exposed to the sun are also cited. Although there is a hereditary form of the disease, most individuals with the inherited enzyme deficiency remain latent and never have symptoms.

    Skin Tumors

    • Documented from a series of animal studies in mice, data indicates that continuous dermal exposure to TCDD, found in Agent Orange, can induce skin tumors called fibrosarcomas. Although some information supports a role of TCDD as a promoter in the carcinogenic process, there is currently no relationship found between the incidences of skin cancer and exposure to the herbicides used in Vietnam.

    Considerations

    • The dermatologic effects of Agent Orange are largely dependent on the length and amount of a person's exposure to the product. In other words, those with minimal exposure over a short period of time likely have less severe and shorter-acting side effects than people who had long-term, concentrated exposure. If you suspect you suffer the effects of these chemical components, consult with a physician for appropriate evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

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