The management of chemical burns

In all reports on severe burns, those due to chemical mechanisms comprise less than 3–4% of the total admitted to hospital as opposed to other more frequent mechanisms such as fire, scalding, electrical and contact with hot solids. These burns have typical features which will be described. The diagnosis, treatment, and handling of these patients raises unique features since treatment should be specific depending on the causative agent. This must be identified, failure to do this leads to incorrect treatment and/or delay in beginning treatment. The incorrect antidote can cause additional problems. This paper describes the local and systemic characteristics of a diverse range of chemical burns and the methods of treatment. Received: 22 September 1998 / Accepted: 12 January 1999