June 13th 2024.
According to researchers, the chemicals found in electronic cigarettes have the potential to cause "hypersensitivity reactions". This was evident in the case of a 22-year-old woman, who developed a herpes-like condition after only a year of vaping. The woman, who is from Indonesia, was unable to eat or drink due to the painful and crusty ulcers that appeared on her lips, gums, and tongue.
Initially, doctors suspected that the woman had contracted herpes. However, after testing negative for the virus, they started to investigate her lifestyle. It was then revealed that she had started using e-cigarettes just a year before her symptoms began. Further examination led to the diagnosis of oral erythema multiforme, a rare skin condition that is usually triggered by an allergic reaction. In this case, the cause was most likely related to the use of e-cigarettes.
In their report published in the International Medical Case Reports Journal, the researchers noted that certain substances found in e-cigarettes, such as propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings, can sometimes trigger erythema multiforme. This condition, which affects around 200,000 people in the US each year, is typically caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Its symptoms include pink and red skin, lesions in the mouth, joint pain, fever, and itching.
Usually, erythema multiforme affects the entire body, not just the mouth. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required if the patient is experiencing extreme pain, difficulty eating, or dehydration. Treatment for this condition may involve antibiotics and cold compresses.
The patient in this case sought medical help after suffering from mouth sores and pain for a month. After being examined by doctors at the University of Indonesia's Department of Oral Medicine, she was found to have crusty sores on her inner cheeks, tongue, roof and floor of the mouth, and lips. The doctors prescribed a steroid mouthwash and a moisturizing solution to be applied three times a day and also advised the patient to stop vaping. She was also given a cream to apply to the eroding wound on the side of her mouth.
Thankfully, after just one week of following the prescribed treatment, the patient showed significant improvement. The doctors considered her case to be a "mild" form of erythema multiforme and were pleased with the results.
Initially marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, the vaping industry has received criticism for its advertising strategies, particularly targeting young people with attractive packaging and flavors. Moreover, the long-term effects of vaping on people's health are not yet known, leading to concerns over its safety. Several health side effects have been associated with vaping, including mouth and throat irritation, eye irritation, shortness of breath, fatigue, and even lung cancer. This highlights the need for stricter regulations and more research on the potential risks of vaping.
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