Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Caustic injury
Introduction
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Overview
Overview
Synonyms and keywords: Burn from chemicals.
Overview
A chemical burn occurs when living tissue is exposed to a reactive chemical substance such as a strong acid or base. The main types of irritant and/or corrosive products are acids, bases, oxidizers, solvents, and reducing agents.
Chemicals that touch skin can lead to a reaction on the skin, throughout the body, or both.
Chemical exposure is not always obvious. One should suspect chemical exposure if an otherwise healthy person becomes ill for no apparent reason, particularly if an empty chemical container is found nearby.
Exposure to chemicals at work over a long period of time can cause changing symptoms as the chemical builds up in the person’s body.
Classification
Chemical burns follow standard burn classification and may cause extensive tissue damage.
Causes
Sparklers and other fireworks that give off sparks or flames can give chemical burns as well as heat-induced burns. Other 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.
Risk Factors
Chemical fabrication, mining, medicine, and related professional fields are examples of occupations where chemical burns may occur.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Overview
A chemical burn occurs when living tissue is exposed to a reactive chemical substance such as a strong acid or base. The main types of irritant and/or corrosive products are acids, bases, oxidizers, solvents, and reducing agents.
Chemicals that touch skin can lead to a reaction on the skin, throughout the body, or both.
Chemical exposure is not always obvious. One should suspect chemical exposure if an otherwise healthy person becomes ill for no apparent reason, particularly if an empty chemical container is found nearby.
Exposure to chemicals at work over a long period of time can cause changing symptoms as the chemical builds up in the person’s body.
Classification
Chemical burns follow standard burn classification and may cause extensive tissue damage.
Causes
Sparklers and other fireworks that give off sparks or flames can give chemical burns as well as heat-induced burns. Other 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.
Risk Factors
Chemical fabrication, mining, medicine, and related professional fields are examples of occupations where chemical burns may occur.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
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References
Classification
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Overview
Chemical burns follow standard burn classification and may cause extensive tissue damage.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Pathophysiology
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Pathophysiology
Chemical burns may:
- Need no source of heat
- Occur immediately on contact
- Be extremely painful
- Not be immediately evident or noticeable
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
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Overview
Sparklers and other fireworks that give off sparks or flames can give chemical burns as well as heat-induced burns. Other 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.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Differentiating Chemical burn from other Diseases
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References
Epidemiology and Demographics
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References
Risk Factors
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Overview
Chemical fabrication, mining, medicine, and related professional fields are examples of occupations where chemical burns may occur.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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References
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]