38. Chemical burns · General and Operative Surgery · MU Plovdiv

CHEMICAL BURNS

Written by Rhiana Devadasan

Chemical burns = tissue injury that occurs when living tissue is exposed to a corrosive substance.

Causes:

strong acids (e.g. hydrochloric, nitric - car batteries, toilet cleaners, drain cleaners)
strong bases (e.g. sodium ammonium hydroxide - fertilizers, drain cleaners) NB: more serious
flammable agents
oxidizers
cement, plaster
fireworks (magnesium hydroxide)
bleach
zinc, lead, mercury, arsenic
hydrocarbons (e.g. gasoline, kerosene, paint thinners, furniture polish)

How?

Can happen by ingestion, inhalation, skin contact or absorption.

Chemicals and toxic substances may be found at home, on the job, in school or in everyday products.

Determinants:

Injury depends on the actual chemical that the victim was exposed to.
Exposure time (e.g. may be over a period of time, meaning the onset of symptoms are gradual & slow developing)

NB: symptoms can vary, depending on the substance.

Nausea & vomiting
Headaches
Confusion
Shortness of breath
Abnormal heart rhythms
Burns (if the exposure was directly to the skin or eyes)
Blindness (if exposure to the eyes)
Acids - coagulation/dry necrosis (less serious than bases)
Bases - liquefaction/ humid necrosis. Continuing to penetrate deeper. (i.e. more serious)
Exposure to acids or alkalis = pain, burns, blisters, difficulty breathing, etc.
Exposure to zinc, lead, mercury & arsenic affect all the body's working organs. They stay within the body for long period of time due to their slow release.
Exposure to hydrocarbons = coughing, nausea, vomitting, abdominal pain, seizures, burns.
With significant exposure = a person may fall into coma or develop seizures.

NB: Delaying treatment could result in permanent damage or death.