TRAUMA
TABLE 3.14. Chemical Burns
WHEREFOUND DAMAGE TREATMENT SPECIAL
Acids
Acetic acid Hair wave Partial-thickness Water irrigation Oral abx for persistent
neutralizer burns to scalp bacteria on the scalp
Carbolic acid Industrial and Painless white/brown Polyethylene glycol Penetrates more
(Phenol) medicinal coagulum—may prevent and industrial deeply when dilute
penetration of water methylated spirits or than when
irrigation isopropyl alcohol concentrated
Chromic acid Industrial chromium Chronic penetrating Water irrigation and High systemic toxicity
plating and glass ulcerating lesions surgical excision to following skin
cleaning prevent systemic absorption
toxicity
Formic acid Industrial and Coagulative necrosis Water irrigation Acidosis, hemolysis,
agricultural hemoglobinuria
Hydrochloric/ Toilet bowl/ Dark brown or Water irrigation
sulfuric acid drain cleaners black burns
Battery acid
Bleach
Industrial
Hydrofluoric acid High-octane fuel, Deep painful burns with Irrigation Concentration effect
etching, semiconductors, possible blue-gray not duration effect
rust remover skin and erythema
Calcium gluconate Ca↓, Mg↓, K↑, myocardial
(topical/IM/SQ/ instability
intra-arterial)
Treat until pain Pain parallels extent
is gone. of injury.
Methacrylic acid Nail cosmetics Dermal burns Water irrigation Preschoolers
Nitric acid Metal work, fertilizers Yellowish burns Water irrigation
Oxalic acid Leather and blueprint Water irrigation and Binds Ca, inhibits
IV calcium muscle contraction
Alkalis
Lyes Drain cleaners, Deep burns Prolonged water Ingestion can cause
Ammonium detergents, paint irrigation airway occlusion
Barium removers and/or esophageal
Ca, Li trauma.
KOH, NaOh