Paraquat is the most important bipyridyl herbicide, acting as a nonselective herbicide with somewhat unique properties. The major acute local cutaneous side effects result from the caustic properties of paraquat, which produce local ulceration of
the
epithelial surface. Blistering of the skin and cracking and even loss of the fingernails have been reported. It's systemic toxicities also include pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac failure, renal failure, and hepatotoxicity.
We report a case of erythema multiforme with transient hepatotoxicity due to percutanious absorption of paraquat. A 31-year-old farmer was admitted to our department because of target-like bullous erythema on both thighs and buttocks following
accidental contact with paraquat. The histopathologic findings showed spongiosis, exocytosis, intercellular edema in the epidermis, degeneration of dermo-epidermal junction and inflammatory cell infiltrations in the dermis especially papillary
and
perivascular area.
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