Chemical burns result from contact with irritant chemicals, affecting the skin, eyes, mouth, or internal organs. These chemicals can be acidic or caustic in nature. Chemical burns can occur at home, in public areas, or at work, often as a result of accidents, assaults, or the misuse of hair, skin, and nail care products.
Depending on the extent of skin damage, chemical burns are categorized as follows:
Preventing chemical burns involves adhering to common precautions and educating individuals to reduce the risk of injury.
It’s essential to note that infants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to burns. All chemical burns are considered medical emergencies, with most occurring on the face, eyes, arms, and legs.
Deeper structures may be affected if the chemical penetrates deeply. The severity of these deeper burns depends on several factors, including the strength of the chemical, the contact site (eye, skin, mucous membrane), whether the chemical is swallowed, the amount and duration of exposure, and the chemical’s nature.
In severe cases where a larger area is affected and the chemical is absorbed by the body, serious symptoms may include:
Our approach to chemical burn treatment includes the following steps:
Even in cases of minor exposure, basic first aid is administered. The affected area is thoroughly inspected, and a tetanus vaccination shot is provided to those who have not been previously vaccinated or have received vaccination more than five years ago.
In most cases, individuals with chemical burns can return home after receiving initial treatment and come back for follow-up care. However, in severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
Hospital admission is typically necessary only in severe cases or when a large area is affected. Treatment measures may include:
For minor chemical burns, natural healing or regular dressings are often sufficient. Burns involving partial thickness of the skin may heal with regular dressings, but in some cases, skin grafting may be required if a red granulating wound remains.
Deep full-thickness burns necessitate the excision of the damaged area, followed by skin grafting using healthy skin from the thigh. Multiple cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries may be necessary, particularly when the face is scarred or deeply burnt.
For additional information, please refer to our dedicated pages on Post– Burn Scar Face and Soft Tissue Injury of the Face.
Following surgery, patients may require physical and occupational therapy to facilitate their reintegration into society. Furthermore, counseling and support groups are available to help individuals cope with emotional trauma resulting from disfigurement.
Chemical burns can lead to long-term complications when the chemical penetrates deeply under the skin and is ingested accidentally. Potential complications include:
At Kayakriti, our dedicated team provides comprehensive care and support for individuals who have experienced chemical burns. For more information or to seek our specialized services, please contact us
Where Compassionate Care Meets Advanced Medicine, Guiding You on the Path to Recovery and Well-being.
Chemical burns are injuries that occur when the skin, eyes, mouth, or internal organs come into contact with irritant chemicals. They differ from other burns, such as thermal burns, in terms of their cause and the way they affect the body.
Chemical burns can result from exposure to a wide range of substances, including corrosive acids, alkalis, solvents, and various toxic chemicals. The specific cause depends on the substance involved.
Symptoms of chemical burns may include redness, blistering, tissue damage, and pain. The severity of symptoms depends on factors such as the type of chemical, the duration of exposure, and the affected area.
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination by a healthcare professional, along with an evaluation of the type and concentration of the chemical involved. Imaging studies may be used to assess internal injuries.
Kayakriti Clinic specializes in chemical burn management with a focus on immediate first aid, wound care, decontamination, and surgical interventions as needed. Their approach includes a team of experts experienced in burn and trauma care.
Kayakriti Clinic offers a patient-centric approach to chemical burn treatment, providing timely and appropriate interventions to minimize damage and promote wound healing. They also provide post-treatment care and rehabilitation as needed.
Privacy is of utmost importance to us. Rest assured, all your personal and medical information is handled with strict confidentiality.
Our Surgeon is highly qualified and internationally certified with a team of skilled staff to perform any surgical or non-surgical treatment on your body.
Safety is our priority. We maintain stringent protocols to ensure a secure environment for all patients and staff members.
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