Epidemic dropsy following transcutaneous absorption of Argemone mexicana oil

Four cases manifesting features characteristic of epidemic dropsy following body massage with contaminated mustard oil are reported. A transcutaneous route of absorption for the toxin (sanguinarine) resulting in epidemic dropsy has not been documented previously in man. Oil used for body massage was found to be adulterated with Argemone mexicana oil, while hydrogenated vegetable fat used for cooking did not reveal any contamination. Diagnosis of the disease was confirmed by establishing the presence of sanguinarine in the urine and serum of all four cases.