Chemical Burns
More than 25,000 products are capable of producing a chemical burn. Common household chemical burns can be caused by lye (drain cleaners, paint removers), phenols (deodorizers, sanitizers, and disinfectants), alkalis, sodium hypochlorite (bleaches), and sulfuric acid (toilet bowel cleaners).
Most chemicals do not burn by the same mechanism as heat related injuries. They destroy skin and tissue by coagulating proteins. Oxidation, reduction, corrosion, and desiccation are a few of the chemical reactions responsible for skin injuries. The delicate biochemistry of the skin is altered by the foreign substance with resultant tissue destruction. It is IMPORTANT to know the exact chemicals involved and every attempt should be made to provide this information to the treating physician (bring the container).
TREATMENT measures vary greatly and are based on the type of agent involved. Most chemical exposures require IMMEDIATE rinsing with water and EMERGENCY evaluation. After neutralization, and removal of the offending substance from the skin, management will be similar to that of burns of the same severity (depth). See burns.
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