Do Syrian Conflict Survivors Show Novel Chronic Cutaneous Sequelae From Chlorine Gas Exposure: A Case Report and Literature Review

A 70-year-old Syrian man exposed to chlorine gas during the Syrian conflict developed chronic dermatological issues, including pruritic ulcerative lesions, alopecia, and hair follicle atrophy, which persisted for months. Despite initial respiratory symptoms resolving within 48 hours, skin changes progressed, leading to a diagnosis of chlorine-induced chronic dermatitis. Treatment with oral cetirizine, prednisolone, and topical corticosteroids showed no significant improvement after 3 months. The case highlights the need for clinicians to recognize chronic skin conditions as part of chemical warfare injuries and for international health agencies to create registries to document and manage long-term effects of gas exposure.