Page 37 - PowerPoint Presentation

Chemical burn is relatively uncommon. The

difference between thermal and chemical

burns is the insidious continuation of the

burning process with chemical burns until

the chemical is removed, neutralized or

sufficiently diluted.

The extent of tissue damage depends on:

 The type of agent

 Concentration +/- volume

 Contact duration

Acids (pH<7) causes coagulative necrosis

and protein precipitation. This can limit the
penetration into deeper tissue.

Alkalis (pH>7) causes liquefactive necrosis by

protein denaturing and fat saponification. It
tends to cause more long term tissue

destruction by deeper tissue penetration.

Both acids and alkalis can cause damage

by tissue dehydration and exothermic

reactions. Some may cause systemic toxicity.