Chemical Burns

Abstract

Chemical burns are caused mainly by contact with strong acid and alkali agents, and industrial accidents, assaults, intentional/unintentional ingestion, and careless use of cleaners in the home are responsible for the exposure. Compared to a thermal burn, chemical burns cause progressive tissue damage until the agent is diluted and removed from the contaminated skin. The fundamental steps are removing dirty clothes immediately and cleaning the exposed area with water, at least 30 minutes for acid agents, and one hour for alkali agents. The use of neutralizing agents frequently generates heat, while balancing the chemical agent may cause thermal burns. The proper management of patients with chemical burns in the emergency room includes appropriate fluid resuscitation and wound management. © 2022 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.