Chemical burn

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A second degree chemical burn, the result of prolonged contact to concentrated Ag N O₃, on the left hand of a Caucasian female.

A chemical burn occurs when living tissue is exposed to a reactive chemical substance such as a strong acid or base. There are six types of irritant and/or corrosive products: acids, bases, oxidizers, solvents, and reducing agents.

Chemical burns may:

need no source of heat,
occur immediately on contact,
be extremely painful, or
not immediately evident or noticeable

The exact symptoms of a chemical burn depend on the chemical involved. Symptoms include itching, bleaching or darkening of skin, burning sensations, trouble breathing, coughing blood, tissue necrosis, and death. Sparklers and other fireworks that give off sparks or flames can give chemical burns as well as heat-induced burns. Other common sources of chemical burns include silver nitrate (Ag NO₃), hydrochloric acid (H Cl), lye (Na OH), and lime (Ca O). Chemical burns may occur through direct contact on body surfaces including skin and eyes, inhalation, and ingestion. Chemical fabrication, mining, medicine, and related professional fields are examples of occupations where chemical burns may occur. In the event of a chemical burn, the burn area should not be flushed with water, as this may spread the chemical or have other adverse reactions, including chemical reactions with the solute. Medical help should be sought immediately. Any chemical that is dangerous, labeled corrosive, or is not properly identified should never be handled without professional supervision and necessary equipment. Chemical burns follow standard burn classification and may cause extensive tissue damage.

SEEKING MEDICAL HELP

The Poison Control Centers (PCC), available 24-hours a day in the US via a toll-free number, are an excellent resource for emergency situations. This is especially true for lab workers or automotive technicians who may encounter more uncommon or specialized chemicals (e.g. an aerosolized refrigerant, organometallics containing tin or mercury, or specialized organic reagents). In fact, emergency room physicians rely heavily on PCC phone contact for information to treating exposures to uncommon chemicals. This is no substitute for seeking in-person medical attention **particularly in cases of ingestion and inhalation** !! But contact via cell-phone during transport to the emergency room or in the first moments following a dermal contact can provide invaluable, effective tips to help control tissue damage and minimizing transdermal absroption of particular chemicals.

Poison control center phone numbers vary by locality, but are often available on the inside cover of a phone book with fire department and police emergency numbers, or by calling the toll-free directory: 1-800-555-1212