Module 4 - Thermal, Electrical and Chemical Injuries

Chemical Burns

• Alkalines, acids, organic compounds (phenols, creosote, petroleum products)
• Can be absorbed at wound site and result in systemic toxicity
• Treatment team should wear gloves and protective gear
  • Remove saturated clothing
  • Brush skin of any residual chemicals
  • Irrigate skin with large volumes of water and continue until patient reports a decrease in pain. This can take 30 to 60 min
• NB: Some chemical compounds should not be irrigated with water. Contact poison control
• Alkalines generally require more prolonged irrigation.
• Neutralization of chemical in unadvisable as this usually leads to generation of heat and may lead to further tissue damage

Author: SP Zinn