J Korean Acad Conserv Dent.  2009 Jan;34(1):38-41. 10.5395/JKACD.2009.34.1.038.

Iatrogenic chemical burn on facial skin by 37% phosphoric acid etchant

• Park JH
• Shin HJ
• Park SH
• Kim JW
• Cho KM

• KMID: 2176041
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5395/JKACD.2009.34.1.038

Abstract

When we use the total-etch dentin adhesive system for composite resin restorations, gel or liquid acid etchant such as 37% phosphoric acid is commonly used. Thirty seven percentage phosphoric acid is very powerful erosive agent, and can cause severe harmful effects when it contacts with an oral mucosa and facial skin. This case describes iatrogenic chemical burn on facial skin caused by phosphoric acid which was happened during composite resin restorative procedure. Chemical burn by acid etchant can be evoked by careless handling of remnant and syringe. In order to prevent these iatrogenic injuries, we should check the complete removal of the etching agent both in intra and extra-oral environments after etching and rinsing procedure and it is necessary to use of the rubber dam or isolation instruments. If accidental burn were occurred, immediate wash with copious water. And bring the patient to the dermatologist as soon as possible.

Keyword

37% phosphoric acid; Etchant; Chemical burn; Facial skin

MeSH Terms

Adhesives
Burns
Burns, Chemical
Dentin
Handling (Psychology)
Humans
Mouth Mucosa
Phosphoric Acids
Rubber Dams
Skin
Syringes
Water
Adhesives
Phosphoric Acids
Water

Figure

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  Figure 1 Immediate Post OP. Vesicular and corrosive lesion formation

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  Figure 2 2 Weeks follow-up Crust formation

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  Figure 3 1 Month follow-up Depressed scar formation

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  Figure 4 2 Months follow-up

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  Figure 5 3 Months follow-up. Decreased scar

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  Figure 6 Corrosive change on facial skin

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  Figure 7 Difference appearance after air-blow

Reference

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2. Lewis GK. Chemical burns. Am J Surg. 1959. 98:928.

3. Cabnadian Center for Occupational health and safety. Material Safety Data Sheat. 1991.

4. Gruber RP, Laub DR, Vistinness LM. The effect of hydrotherapy on the clinical course and pH of experimental cutaneous chemical burns. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1975. 55:200.