Chemical burn

Japanese: 化学熱傷 - かがくねっしょう（英語表記）Chemical burn

What is the disease?

This is a skin disorder caused by irritating chemicals such as acids and alkalis coming into contact with the skin, and tends to be deeper than other types of burns.

In general, alkaline solutions tend to cause symptoms deeper in the skin than acid solutions.

How symptoms manifest

The color of the injury varies depending on the chemical. Sulfuric acid ( Ryusan ) Brown, hydrochloric acid and nitric acid ( Shosan ) The color of the stain is yellow. Strong acids tend to cause deep stains, and if the stain is widespread, kidney or liver dysfunction may occur. Melting ( Yukai ) As a result of this action, the injured area turns from white to brown and becomes soft.

Kerosene dermatitis, which occurs when you wear clothes that have been contaminated with kerosene, usually Redness ( Hosseki ) , Small blisters ( Water supply method ) This can result in symptoms similar to those of shallow burns, such as erosion.

Examination and treatment methods

An examination similar to that for burns will be carried out.

The treatment is basically the same as for burns, but chemical burns tend to be deeper, Necrosis ( Replying to @sarah_mcdonald ) They are more likely to require tissue removal or skin grafts.

How to provide first aid

It is important to immediately wipe off the chemicals gently with a cloth, being careful not to get them on your hands, and then rinse with plenty of water. However, in the case of quicklime, care must be taken as it will react with water and generate heat.

There is no need to waste time searching for a reversible agent. In addition, the reversible agent may actually cause injury.

Tatsuya Horikawa

Source: Houken “Sixth Edition Family Medicine Encyclopedia” Information about the Sixth Edition Family Medicine Encyclopedia

Japanese:

どんな病気か

　酸、アルカリなどの刺激性の化学物質が皮膚に付着したために起こる皮膚障害で、他の熱傷よりは深いものになりやすい傾向があります。

　一般的には、アルカリによるもののほうが酸によるものよりも深い部分にまで症状が出やすいようです。

症状の現れ方

　化学物質によって受傷部の色調は異なり、硫酸(りゅうさん)は褐色、塩酸や硝酸(しょうさん)は黄色を示します。強酸では深いものとなりやすく、広範囲に強酸による受傷がある場合は、腎臓や肝臓の機能障害が現れる場合があります。アルカリによるものでは、蛋白融解(ゆうかい)作用によって受傷部は白色から褐色となって軟らかくなります。

　灯油がついた衣服を着ていて起こる灯油皮膚炎では、通常は発赤(ほっせき)、小水疱(しょうすいほう)、びらんなどの浅い熱傷の症状になります。