Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Chemical Injuries
Number of Conditions: 1
Chemical Burns
Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care
Category: Trauma and Injuries
Sub-category: Chemical Injuries
Symptoms:
pain at the contact site; redness; blisters; vision loss if in the eyes; difficulty breathing if inhaled; necrosis of affected tissues
Root Cause:
Damage to tissues caused by exposure to corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, or other chemicals.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Evaluation of history, clinical examination, pH testing of affected areas, and imaging for deeper tissue damage.
Treatment:
Immediate irrigation with water (unless contraindicated), removal of contaminated clothing, neutralizing agents (if appropriate), and specialized wound care. Hospitalization for severe burns.
Medications:
Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen ), antibiotics for secondary infections, and topical agents like silver sulfadiazine for wound care.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Chemical burns are a leading cause of workplace injuries, with thousands of cases reported annually worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Industrial or household chemical exposure, inadequate protective equipment, and improper handling of chemicals.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by chemical and exposure duration; mild burns heal quickly, while severe burns may lead to scarring, functional loss, or systemic toxicity.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection, scarring, systemic absorption leading to organ damage, and permanent disability.