Background. Ducatalon is a bipyridylium herbicide containing a mixture
of diquat and paraquat, and is used in agriculture. Adverse reactions
due to contact of this compound with the skin have rarely been descri
bed. Case Reports, Two men were seen for severe pain due to extensive
chemical burns in the perineal and scrotal regions, caused by leaking
of Ducatalon from defective equipment used for spraying the herbicide.
The lesions responded well to treatment with topical silver sulfadiaz
ine, combined with systemic antibiotics. The damaged skin healed witho
ut scarring within a few days. The lesions have not recurred after the
faulty spraying apparatus was replaced. Conclusion. Direct contact of
the skin with Ducatalon may lead to severe chemical burns. Proper pre
cautions should be taken by the personnel handling this compound, with
particular attention to the integrity of the equipment used for spray
ing the herbicide.