A Clinical Observation of Chemical Burn

Ryu, An Young; Hur, Gi Yeun; Lee, Dong Lark

Abstract

PURPOSE
As the mode of living has been changed, the chemical burn patients are increasing. In chemical injuries, tissue destruction continues until chemical agent is neutralized.
METHODS
We reviewed medical records of 30 chemical burn patients who were admitted to Hanil General Hospital from January 2000 to September 2009. The charts were reviewed for sex, age, chemical agent, mode, site, treatments, kinds of operation and complications. All patients received massive saline irrigation as the first management.
RESULTS
The ratio of male to female was 2.75:1. The prevalent age group was between 41 and 50 years old. The most common chemical agent was acetic acid which was used for treatment of skin disease. The incidence of work-related burns was 66%. The most common prevalent site was hand. The extent of burn below 5% of total body surface was 90%. The majority of patients were treated with conventional dressing, but some patients were treated by skin graft, amputation and flap. The most common complications were hypertrophic scar and hyperpigmentation.
CONCLUSION
Both functional and cosmetic problems can occur in chemical burns. Education and guide are necessary to reduce incidence of chemical burns by carelessness and folk remedies.