Orofacial and digital frostbite caused by inhalant abuse

Cutis. 2014 May;93(5):256-60.

Abstract

Inhalation of volatile substances is a cheap and accessible way for individuals, most commonly teenagers, to ingest mind-altering substances. The adverse effects of using inhalants, including cardiac dysrhythmia, respiratory tract injury, and asphyxiation, can be devastating. Detection often is difficult, but a high degree of suspicion with patterns of perioral, perinasal, and/or digital lesions can help identify use. We report an uncommon case of severe orofacial and digital frostbite initially mistaken for an allergic reaction in a 20-year-old man following intentional inhalation of a commercial air-dusting agent containing 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Angioedema / chemically induced
  • Detergents / toxicity*
  • Facial Dermatoses / chemically induced*
  • Facial Dermatoses / therapy
  • Fingers / pathology*
  • Frostbite / chemically induced*
  • Frostbite / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / toxicity*
  • Inhalant Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Detergents
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated
  • norflurane