Chemical burns are wounds to the skin, mouth, eyes, or internal organs caused by corrosive substances. Such accidents can occur at work, school, or home. Mild burns cause skin irritation while severe burns can lead to surgery and rehabilitation. To prevent accidents always wear rubber gloves while using chemicals.
Chemical burns are injuries to skin or internal/external organs caused by caustic chemical substance like acids, alkalis, and bases. The skin turns red, painful, or numb. In severe cases victims undergo cardiac arrest.
Chemical burns are primarily caused by strong acids and bases. These corrosive substances occur in our household cleaning agents, laundry liquids, car batteries, fertilizer, and metal refining industries. Accidental exposure to them can cause mild to severe burns.
According to the extent and depth of the injury, chemical burns are classified as superficial or deep.
Chemical burns can cause pain, blisters, swelling, scars, and shock. Chemical burn treatment depends on the severity of the wound and the extent of tissue damage.
The burn specialist first determines the burn type – first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree – to render suitable treatment plan including but not limited to;
Each chemical has distinct burn property. Hence, patients can suffer from acute pain, perforated nasal septum, Hypocalcaemia (low level of calcium), Hypomagnesaemia (low level of magnesium), Methaemoglobinaemia (low level of iron in blood), and Hepatorenal injury (kidney and liver failure).
Chemical burns can be prevented with safety procedures. These include:
Our facility has advanced operation theater and medical equipment along with a skilled team of burn specialists, medical staff, and occupational therapists to tend to your wounds and nurse you back to recovery and life.
Infants, older adults, and people with disabilities are at high risk of chemical burns. Further, people who deal with acids and bases regularly in their occupation are also at high risk.
Seek immediate care for major chemical burns, such as;
Based on the following factors burnt specialist will make a diagnosis.
Depth and severity of the chemical burns dictate the outlook. Minor burns heal within 2 weeks, while deep burns take several weeks and months to heal. Some people with severe chemical burns may have limb loss, scarring, disfigurement, infection, and emotional trauma. However, with regular visits to the hospital for treatment and rehabilitation, people can return to their lives.
Chemical burns are classified into first-degree burns (superficial), second-degree burns (partial thickness), and third-degree burns (full thickness). This classification is based on the skin layer affected, i.e. top-most, second layer (dermis), and all skin layers.
We provide effective surgical and non-surgical treatments for all parts of the body. At Cutis Hospital, our cosmetic and plastic surgery team is committed to giving patients safe and high-quality care.
