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A Swine Burn Model for Investigating the Healing Process in Multiple Depth Burn Wounds
Published on: February 23, 2024
[Freon gas frostbite: an unusual burn evolving in two stages]
B Chaput1, H Eburdery, M Courtade-Saïdi
1Service de chirurgie plastique et reconstructrice, CHU de Toulouse-Rangueil, avenue du Professeur-Jean-Poulhès, 31059 Toulouse, France. Benoitchaput@aol.com
Abstract:
Freon gas is a halogenated derivative widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning. It is maintained at a temperature below -41°C and its contact with skin may cause very serious burns. This is usually an accident at work and the burns affect the hands of patients first. Unfortunately, early clinical presentation is often reassuring and does not reflect the actual depth of the injury. Few cases of this injury are reported and no treatment protocol is established at this time. We present two cases of frostbite by freon gas, initially evaluated at a stage of superficial burns and evolved spontaneously in a few days to full thickness burns necessitating surgical treatment by excision and skin grafting. This evolution in two phases has never been described and could help to better understand the pathophysiology of this frostbite and the possibilities of management.
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