Inorganic Metallic Irritants - Arsenic

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the systemic signs and symptoms of chronic arsenic poisoning based on Chapter 37.

Raindrop pigmentation

Speckled brown pigmentation seen in chronic arsenic poisoning, primarily occurring on skin flexures, temples, shoulders, eyelids, and the neck.

Leucomelanosis

Macular areas of depigmentation that appear on normal or hyperpigmented skin, mentioned as one of the earliest symptoms of arsenicosis.

Aldrich-Mees lines

Development of white bands of opacity in the nails of fingers and toes resulting from chronic arsenic exposure.

Hyperkeratosis

A condition in chronic arsenic poisoning characterized by the irregular thickening of the skin on the palms and soles.

Erythromelalgia

A central nervous system-related symptom of chronic arsenic poisoning involving paresthesia with painful swelling.

Blackfoot disease

A condition caused by chronic arsenic exposure characterized by vasospasm and peripheral vascular insufficiency.

Chronic Arsenic Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, and salivation.

Chronic Arsenic Ocular Symptoms

Congestion, watering of the eyes, and photophobia.

Chronic Arsenic Respiratory Symptoms

Cough, hoarseness of voice, bronchial catarrh, hemoptysis, and dyspnea.

Arsenicosis Early Symptoms

Melanosis and leucomelanosis with or without keratosis.

Chronic Arsenic Hematologic Effects

Bone marrow suppression, hypoplasia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukemia.

Chronic Arsenic Renal Signs

Chronic nephritis, red or green colored urine, dysuria, and anuria resulting from renal tubular necrosis.

Chronic Arsenic Odor Indicators

A garlic odor of the breath and sweat, often accompanied by a metallic taste.

Arsenic CNS Symptoms

Peripheral neuropathy with tingling, numbness of hands and feet, polyneuritis, anesthesia, paresthesia, and encephalopathy.

Chronic Arsenic Hepatic Signs

Hepatomegaly, jaundice, and cirrhosis of the liver.