On March 1, Dr. Nguyen Minh Thu, Deputy Head of the Department of Treatment of Male Skin Diseases, Central Dermatology Hospital, said that a 64-year-old man was hospitalized with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma - psoriasis - and was being monitored for chronic arsenic poisoning (arsenic - an extremely toxic mineral that can be found naturally or processed).
He has a habit of using well water regularly in daily life and using drugs of unknown origin.
The medicine he used for many years was a traditional Chinese medicine in pill form, contained in a plastic package, without a brand name, and advertised as being effective in completely curing psoriasis.
Spotted keratosis lesions on the palms and soles of the feet in a patient with arsenic poisoning. (Photo: BVCC)
Through examination, the doctor assessed that the man had signs of chronic arsenic poisoning, possibly caused by his habit of using well water and taking drugs of unknown origin for many years.
According to Dr. Nguyen Minh Thu, arsenic is a metal that is toxic to human health, colorless, odorless and tasteless. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines arsenicosis as a chronic health condition that occurs when arsenic is ingested at concentrations above the safe level for a long time (over 6 months), often manifested by characteristic skin lesions.
Chronic arsenic poisoning can accumulate in teeth, nails, hair, and skin for years without people knowing. Long-term exposure to arsenic can cause skin cancer and skin lesions.
Common skin manifestations of chronic arsenic poisoning include skin pigmentation changes, punctate keratosis of the palms and soles, and the presence of multiple squamous cell carcinoma lesions.
Arsenic can enter the human body through the respiratory tract, digestion or absorption through the skin through the use of contaminated groundwater, some pharmaceuticals and industrial production. In nature, the concentration of arsenic in groundwater and well water that people often use is much higher than in water from rivers and lakes.
Doctors note that if you have chronic diseases such as psoriasis, bronchial asthma, or pemphigus, you should absolutely not arbitrarily use drugs of unknown origin because they may contain arsenic.
In addition, arsenic can be an ingredient in makeup products such as eye shadow, eyebrow pencil or lipstick. Therefore, when choosing beauty products, people need to pay close attention to the origin and place of production.
If you experience any symptoms such as bumps on the palms and soles, rough skin, changes in skin pigmentation, and a habit of using well water or taking drugs of unknown origin for many years, you should see a dermatologist for examination, diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible to avoid progression to skin cancer.
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