Chemical burns: pathophysiology and therapeutic protocols-do cervico-facial injuries pose specific challenges?

Area of Science:

• Burn research
• Trauma surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Chemical burns are rare but pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Specialized care is essential for managing complex chemical burn pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of chemical burn patients.
• To identify key complications and emphasize optimal management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 33 chemical burn patients over 8 years.
• Analysis of patient demographics, burn characteristics, and treatment interventions.
• Evaluation of outcomes using the Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI).

Main Results:

• 4.39% of all burn cases were chemical burns.
• Facial and neck burns affected 45.45% of patients.
• Superficial partial-thickness burns were most prevalent, but deeper burns also occurred.
• Ocular involvement was a significant complication.
• Many patients had favorable ABSI scores, suggesting good survival probability.

Conclusions:

• Timely intervention with appropriate wound management, dressings, and skin substitutes is vital.
• A multidisciplinary approach, close monitoring, and safety protocols are essential for optimizing outcomes.
• Special attention is needed for chemical burns affecting the face and neck region to minimize complications.