Delayed local chemical burns following dermal exposure to bromoacetic acid: a case report

Abstract

Bromoacetic acid is an alkylating agent that can cause chemical burns after dermal exposure. We describe a case of chemical burns resulting from dermal exposure to bromoacetic acid, a toxic chemical commonly used in pharmaceutical and industrial settings. A 54-year-old female chemist presented to the emergency department with skin lesions on her right hand. She reported they appeared a day after exposure to bromoacetic acid through a hole in her protective glove. On exam, she had multiple partial thickness burns to the first, second, third, and fourth digits. Her wounds were managed with bedside debridement by the burn service followed by daily wound care. A four-week follow-up visit in clinic revealed well-healing wounds. Dermal exposure to bromoacetic acid cause delayed chemical burns managed with debridement and local wound care.