The Untimely Popping Phial: Poppers as an Unusual Cause of Skin Corrosion of the Thigh

Abstract EN

Background.

Alkyl nitrites or “poppers” are widely used as sex-drugs due to their aphrodisiac and muscle relaxant effects.

We describe the rare case of a large-sized dermatitis after direct skin contact with the poppers-fluid in a poppers user.

Case Presentation.

A 52-year-old patient presented to the emergency department due to burning pain on his proximal right thigh and scrotum.

Clinical examination showed an 8 × 5 cm measuring burning wound resembling lesion.

During further history the patient mentioned that the day before presentation a “poppers” phial unintentionally opened in his pocket and the fluid leaked.

Conclusions.

The present case shows severe skin defects after skin-contact with alkyl nitrates in a “poppers” user.

Maculopathy and methemoglobinemia are prominent unwanted side effects of “poppers” use.

However, our report demonstrates that attention should also be paid to potential harm for the skin.