Hydrofluoric Acid Fatality from Dermal Exposure

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a toxic inorganic compound widely used in semiconductors, electroplating, glass etching, and removing rust stains. Although chemically an acid, its corrosive properties are similar to alkalis. It can cause life-threatening local and systemic complications with seemingly minor exposures, with death having been reported with merely a 2.5% Body Surface Area burn (BSA) involving concentrated exposure.

We highlight a case report of a patient with hydrofluoric acid burns who presented with serious systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Rhabdomyolysis, while theoretically plausible, has not been previously documented in the context of HF poisoning. Clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for its occurrence in all HF cases, as its presence may complicate the clinical course and necessitate modifications in management.