Chemical burn

Synonyms in a broader sense

Skin corrosion, skin burn, burn

English: corrosion study

General

The chemical burn of the esophagus can be caused by an accident (Toddlers drink detergents) or occur with suicidal intent.

Caustic solutions are particularly dangerous for the mucous membrane of the esophagus because they create a spasm (cramp) of the muscles that are supposed to open the stomach and thus cause the lye to remain in the esophagus for a longer period of time.

General

The Chemical burn arises through Acids or bases. These substances destroy the proteins of the skin. The defects can depending on strength / concentration and exposure time of the corrosive agents can be mild or severe.

If the tissue comes into contact with acids, so the tissue coagulates, dies and a firm, dry scab forms. Lye, on the other hand, cause other phenomena on the tissues. The affected Tissue becomes fluid and forms a whitish scab that is soft compared to acid burns.

A burn will in three degrees assigned. you will be treated like burns, but with the chemical burns, the dilution or neutralization is clearly in the foreground. In any case, the wound should be rinsed with plenty of water. The wounds heal by secondary healing, that means with Scarring (see also: Wound healing).

1. Burns to the esophagus

Classification

The esophageal burn is in three stages assigned.

• Grade 1: increased blood flow and swelling of the mucous membrane
• Grade 2: ulcers and whitish deposits become visible
• Grade 3: ulcers and dying tissue, penetrating all tissue layers; Risk of breakthrough (perforation)

Grade 3 burns usually heal with the formation of constrictions due to the formation of scars (see also: Narrowing of the esophagus)

Symptoms

Typical of chemical burns are severe burning of the esophagus and Annihilation pain in the throat, throat and in the area behind the Sternum. Also chemical burns of the Lips, tongue and des Oral cavity will be found.

diagnosis

Already at the suspicion of one Burns to the esophagus becomes a emergency mirroring made to assess the extent of the damage. Remains of the corrosive substances if necessary sucked off. Also one Flushing can be done through the endoscope. Based on the image of the mucous membrane that appears, the diagnosis be asked.

therapy

Not always is one Endoscope for rinsing on site. The patient should therefore be animated much to drinkto rinse off the acid or alkali. Sufficient dilution cannot be achieved because, depending on the amount of liquid swallowed, too much water would be required.

As an immediate measure, the Pain reliever therapy to disposal. Antibiotics prevent a bacterial infection the battered tissue. If the burn is severe, the gift of cortisone become necessary.

Also one OP is necessary in the most severe cases that cannot be controlled with medication. The esophagus may have to be partially removed.

Complications

After severe burns there is a possibility that Adhesions form. These are usually Long-term consequences. It can be up to Occlusion of the esophagus come. Also Scar cancer (Malignant degeneration of the scar tissue) can after 10 to 20 years develop. Regular checks are therefore advisable.

Occur as early complications Bleeding and breakthroughs on.

forecast

The prognosis depends on the concentration (strength) and the duration of exposure to the chemical substance. On average, around 10% of those affected die from the consequences of chemical burns. The formation of cicatricial adhesions occurs in 10%. A removal of the esophagus that becomes necessary late due to adhesions that cannot be treated or a malignant tumor is also possible.

2. Chemical burns to the eyes

General

Burns to the eyes are very painful. They usually arise as an accident at work or in the household. The chemical burn can be Going blind to lead.

therapy

Because of the victim's eyes Pinch tightly due to pain assistance is made more difficult. The eye needs to be as quick as possible rinsed with a lot (!) of liquid become. Being on site as a first aider is primary no matter what liquid it is about. water would be best, but also Milk or the like serve their purpose. The liquid from the inner corner of the eye Pour outwards to protect the other eye that may not have been damaged.

The eye is also used in the clinic primarily rinsed. There are special rubber hoses that have a kind of adapter at one end that fits exactly into one eye. If necessary, the eye can locally anesthetized become.

3. Skin burns

Chemical burns of the skin express themselves in Pain and in the one described above Scabbing. The motto also applies here: Rinse, rinse and rinse again!

You may have to soaked clothing removed become.