Bb. Adams et al., Periorbital comedones and their relationship to pitch tar: A cross-sectional analysis and a review of the Literature, J AM ACAD D, 42(4), 2000, pp. 624-627
Background: Comedones, often in a periorbital distribution, have been claim
ed to be associated with pitch tar.
Objective: This cross-sectional study compares the incidence of periorbital
comedones between a group of individuals exposed to pitch tar and a contro
l group.
Methods: The incidence of periorbital comedones was determined in workers (
n = 55) at a tar distillation plant. A comparison group (n = 55) not expose
d to pitch tar was also examined for the presence of facial comedones. The
respective incidence rates were compared by using the Fisher exact test.
Results: Eighteen percent (10/55) of die study group and 45 (2/55) of the c
ontrol group had periorbital comedones. The study group had a significantly
greater incidence of periorbital comedones (P = .01).
Conclusion: The incidence of periorbital comedones is significantly greater
in individuals exposed to pitch tar. Further studies are needed to elucida
te the potential relationship between pitch tar and periorbital comedones.