The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Chemical Burn (Acid and Alkali)

Chemical burns penetrate skin and mucosa, creating a different damage mechanism from thermal burns.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Chemical Burn (Acid and Alkali)?

Chemical burns occur with the contact of acids, alkalis, and other corrosive substances with skin, eyes, or mucosa. Acids cause coagulative necrosis leading to limited tissue damage, while alkalis produce deeply penetrating burns with liquefactive necrosis.

Industrial accidents, cleaning products, laboratory substances, and assaults are among the most common causes. Some acids such as hydrofluoric acid can lead to special complications including systemic hypocalcemia and cardiac arrhythmia.

Management includes immediate substance removal, copious and prolonged irrigation with water, and substance-specific treatments (e.g., calcium gluconate gel for hydrofluoric acid).

Symptoms

Pain and burning sensation on skin and mucosa
Color change depending on the chemical substance
Ulceration and necrosis
Corneal damage in eye exposure
Cough, shortness of breath in respiratory exposure
Systemic findings (hypocalcemia, acidosis)

Risk Factors

Industrial workers
Laboratory personnel
Improper use of cleaning products
Children's access to chemicals
Lack of protective equipment
Assault (acid attack)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Wash immediately with copious water in chemical exposure and call 112
  • Irrigation should be started within minutes for eye exposure
  • Special treatment is required for suspected hydrofluoric acid
  • Transfer to a burn center should be evaluated

Treatment Methods

01
Removal of contaminated clothing
02
Prolonged irrigation with copious water (15-30 minutes)
03
Use of Morgan lens in eye irrigation
04
pH evaluation and identification
05
Special antidote applications (calcium gluconate for HF)
06
Burn care, infection control, and tetanus prophylaxis

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Heart Attack First Aid

Acil Servis

Quick recognition and an emergency call in a heart attack dramatically improve the chance of survival.

Stroke Symptoms and FAST Test

Acil Servis

The FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test is the most practical method for early detection of stroke.

Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)

Acil Servis

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction; epinephrine injection and 112 are the most critical initial interventions.

Respiratory Failure

Acil Servis

Respiratory failure is a life-threatening state characterized by low blood oxygen or rising carbon dioxide.

Poisoning First Aid

Acil Servis

In poisoning, identifying the correct substance and knowing when not to induce vomiting is critical.

Burn Treatment and First Aid

Acil Servis

Emergency treatment for burns varies by degree and extent, starting with cooling and extending to specialist care.

Head Trauma First Aid

Acil Servis

Regardless of the impact severity in head trauma, emergency neurological evaluation is mandatory if there is any change in consciousness.

Emergency Assessment of Chest Pain

Acil Servis

In a patient with chest pain, ECG and cardiac biomarkers rapidly help to distinguish heart attack and pulmonary embolism from other causes.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.