Study on the diagnosis and treatment of chemical burns

Abstract

Objectives To sum up our clinical experience of treating 190 cases of chemical burns and to discuss the fundamental principles in managing chemical burns. Methods A retrospective review from Jan, 1985 to Jan,1998 was conducted on the patients who suffered from chemical burns and were treated in our burn unit.Result Of 190 burned patients,77.37% were related to accidents during work.There were 17 different chemical agents involved. The majority of burns involved the hand and foot with an average burned area of 4. 5 %. 185 patients were cured and 5 died. Conclusions Correct diagnosis of chemical burns can be acquired by analysingcarefully history of case, nature of agents and clinical symptoms etc. The general principles of chemical burns include prompt debridement, copious irrigation, proper use of antidotes and prevention of systemic toxicosis. Individualtreatment should be considered according to the personal condition of patient. Key words: Chemical burn; Debridement