Chemical burn overview

Revision as of 17:40, 19 February 2013 by Prashanthsaddala (talk | contribs)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Chemical burn Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Chemical burn from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Chemical burn overview On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Chemical burn overview

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Chemical burn overview

CDC on Chemical burn overview

Chemical burn overview in the news

Blogs on Chemical burn overview

Directions to Hospitals Treating Chemical burn

Risk calculators and risk factors for Chemical burn overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

A chemical burn occurs when living tissue is exposed to a reactive chemical substance such as a strong acid or base. The main types of irritant and/or corrosive products are acids, bases, oxidizers, solvents, and reducing agents.

Chemicals that touch skin can lead to a reaction on the skin, throughout the body, or both.

Chemical exposure is not always obvious. One should suspect chemical exposure if an otherwise healthy person becomes ill for no apparent reason, particularly if an empty chemical container is found nearby.

Exposure to chemicals at work over a long period of time can cause changing symptoms as the chemical builds up in the person's body.

Classification

Chemical burns follow standard burn classification and may cause extensive tissue damage.

Causes

Sparklers and other fireworks that give off sparks or flames can give chemical burns as well as heat-induced burns. Other common sources of chemical burns include silver nitrate (AgNO3), hydrochloric acid (HCl), lye (NaOH), and lime (CaO). Chemical burns may occur through direct contact on body surfaces including skin and eyes, inhalation, and ingestion.

Risk Factors

Chemical fabrication, mining, medicine, and related professional fields are examples of occupations where chemical burns may occur.

References


Template:WikiDoc Sources