Arsenic poisoning, skin cancer suspected due to using illegal drugs

Hanoi: A 64-year-old man who regularly used well water and took medicine of unknown origin was diagnosed with skin cancer and chronic arsenic poisoning.

On March 1, Dr. Nguyen Minh Thu, Deputy Head of the Department of Treatment of Male Skin Diseases, Central Dermatology Hospital, said that the examination results showed that the man had squamous cell carcinoma - a type of skin cancer, psoriasis and was being monitored for chronic arsenic poisoning.

The patient said that he had a habit of using well water regularly in his daily life and taking drugs of unknown origin. According to the patient's description, the drug he had been using for many years was a traditional medicine in pill form, contained in a plastic package, without a brand name and advertised as having the effect of completely curing psoriasis.

"The patient has signs of chronic arsenic poisoning, most likely caused by the habit of using well water and taking medicine of unknown origin for many years," said Dr. Thu.

Arsenic is a metal that is toxic to human health, colorless, odorless and tasteless. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Arsenicosis is 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. Including changes in skin pigmentation, punctate keratosis of the palms and soles, especially the appearance of many squamous cell carcinoma lesions.

This substance can enter the body through the respiratory tract, digestion or absorption through the skin when using groundwater contaminated with arsenic, some pharmaceuticals and industrial production. Arsenic concentrations in groundwater and well water are often higher than in water from rivers and lakes.

Doctors note that if you have chronic diseases such as psoriasis, bronchial asthma, pemphigus... you should absolutely not use drugs of unknown origin because they may be mixed with arsenic. In addition, it 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 manufacture.

If you experience any symptoms such as bumps on the palms and soles, rough skin, changes in skin pigmentation... along with the habit of using well water, taking drugs of unknown origin for many years, you need to see a dermatologist for examination, diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible to avoid progression to skin cancer.

Le Nga

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