A skin spot test with mustard gas. The numbers indicate the percentage of chemical used, with the most to the left and the least to the right. Postcard (for some reason), 1950s, USA
Mustard Gas (or ‘Yperite’ so-called from the deployment of it at Ypres, Belgium) was used during World War One.
Unlike many other gasses, gas-masks would not prevent exposure. Mustard gas soaked into the skin and clothing, especially damp areas such as under the arms or between the legs. Though painless at first, within 24 hours symptoms would develop as the gas burned itself back out of the skin.
In the above picture tiny amounts of chemical were used. Raised yellow blisters, such as the ones above but much, much larger would cover a soldier’s skin. The burning was so bad that not even a sheet for modesty could be tolerated.
The fluid in the blisters was highly toxic and if medical personnel came in skin contact with the fluid while draining them, they too would be subject to symptoms hours later.
