Chemical burn

Chemical burn caused by exposure to a sodium hydroxide solution.

Second degree chemical burn, resulting from prolonged contact with concentrated AgNO₃, on left hand of a caucasian female.

Chemical burns to the arm, caused by a blister agent e.g. mustard gas

Chemical burns caused by exposure to mustard gas during the First World War

Soldier with severe mustard gas burns to back and arms circa 1918. These burns are severe enough to be life-threatening.

A chemical burn occurs when living tissue is exposed to a corrosive substance such as a strong acid or base. Chemical burns follow standard burn classification and may cause extensive tissue damage. The main types of irritant and/or corrosive products are: acids, bases, oxidizers, solvents, reducing agents and alkylants. Additionally, chemical burns can be caused by some types of chemical weapons e.g. vesicants such as mustard gas and Lewisite, or urticants such as phosgene oxime.

Chemical burns may:

• need no source of heat,
• occur immediately on contact,
• be extremely painful, or
• not be immediately evident or noticeable

The exact symptoms of a chemical burn depend on the chemical involved. Symptoms include itching, bleaching or darkening of skin, burning sensations, trouble breathing, coughing blood and/or tissue necrosis. 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. Chemical fabrication, mining, medicine, and related professional fields are examples of occupations where chemical burns may occur.

External links

• eMedicine page on chemical burns
• Chemical burns