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Acid and alkali burns: considerations in management
1Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Summary
Acid and alkali burns present unique challenges, differing significantly from thermal injuries. Early surgical intervention like eschar excision and grafting is recommended due to burn characteristics and delayed sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Chemical burns
- Trauma surgery
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Acid and alkali injuries are distinct from thermal burns.
- These chemical burns often affect the head, neck, and extremities.
- Clinical presentation can be misleading, with delayed signs of sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics of acid and alkali injuries.
- To compare their behavior with thermal injuries.
- To determine optimal treatment strategies for chemical burns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 27 acid and alkali injury cases.
- Clinical assessment and outcome evaluation.
- Comparison with typical thermal burn presentations.
Main Results:
- Injuries were less extensive, primarily involving head, neck, and upper limbs.
- Burns appeared dark brown to black, lacking blisters.
- Delayed burn wound sepsis (week 2) and delayed eschar separation were noted.
- Ocular involvement was common, potentially leading to vision loss.
Conclusions:
- Acid and alkali burns require early eschar excision and grafting.
- Treatment should consider the unique burn depth and delayed sepsis onset.
- Prompt surgical management can improve outcomes for these severe chemical injuries.