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CHEMICAL BURNS: TYPICAL APPEARANCE AND
MANAGEMENT
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| Typical
appearance of chemical burn with coagulation necrosis of
skin. Brown to gray appearance is characteristic. Wound
depth invariably increases such that initial assessment
underestimates depth. |
Deep
alkali burn irrigated with water for 60 minutes. Note:
Surface coagulation necrosis. This wound is high risk and
should be referred to burn center if possible.
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CHEMICAL
BURNS: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
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|
Hot
tar with commercial tar are invariably deep as evident
by the white eschar. Tar removal is best performed using
Neosporin or bacitracin ointment as it contains an
emulsifying agent. |
Lime
burn to lower leg when powder entered boot. The burn
is full thickness requiring grafting. Initial
treatment is water irrigation for 30-45 minutes.
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| Chemical
burns to eyes results in high risk for corneal damage.
Need to flush continuously with isotonic solutions for
at least 60 minutes. |
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