[Plastic-reconstructive treatment options for burns caused by concrete exposure]

In industry as well as in the private sector, cement is often used as building material. Although severe skin injuries are known to be caused due to improper handling of cement, the incidence and severity of these cutaneous injuries are often underestimated. Heavy cement burns are rare but in our centers the authors treat affected patients on a regular basis. The aim of this study is to analyze the given patient data in order to give treatment suggestions.

During 2013 to 2017, a total of 7 patients (median age: 39 years), which had suffered chemical burns after concrete, cement or screed exposure, were treated in two German plastic-surgical clinics. The authors performed a retrospective data analysis by using the hospital information systems (HIS).

All patients were treated with surgical interventions. Median inpatient treatment period was 9.8 days (n = 6). The average time for surgery was 1:04 hours (n = 5). During surgical treatment an average of 1.4 operations were performed (n = 7). In all cases a sustained wound healing could be achieved.

If a patient suffers from a concrete burn, a fast and competent initial treatment is imperative in order to prevent worse. The presented patient cases prove the value of these rare but devastating medical conditions. Therefore, it is essential to implement the given treatment recommendations for a sustainable patient care.