What are the types of chemical burns?

From the Guidelines

Chemical burns are primarily categorized into two main types: acid burns and alkali burns, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly treated. According to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, the extent of the injury from caustic materials is related to the mechanism and concentration of the chemical, its depth of penetration, the volume of chemical that the victim is exposed to, the body site involved, and how long the exposure lasts.

Key Factors

• The mechanism of the chemical burn
• Concentration of the chemical
• Depth of penetration
• Volume of chemical exposure
• Body site involved
• Duration of exposure The guidelines emphasize the importance of rapid removal of the caustic agent and the use of personal protective equipment to prevent further contamination 1.

Treatment

• Immediate removal of the caustic agent
• Copious irrigation with water
• Removal of contaminated clothing and jewelry
• Pain management
• Wound care Prompt treatment is crucial to minimize tissue damage and prevent complications, and poison centers can provide further information on additional treatment recommendations, including duration of irrigation or other decontamination strategies 1.

From the Research

Types of Chemical Burns

• Chemical burns can be caused by various corrosive agents, including acids and alkali, leading to extensive tissue damage 2
• Chemicals can be classified as:
  • Acidic compounds, which act by denaturing and coagulating proteins 3
  • Alkali compounds, which cause deeper burns than acid burns 3
  • Organic compounds 3
  • Inorganic compounds 3
• Specific examples of chemical burns include:
  • Burns due to sulfuric, hydrofluoric, nitric, hydrochloric (muriatic) and acetic (including derivatives) acids 4
  • Burns due to sodium (caustic soda) and calcium (cement) hydroxides 4
  • Burns due to paraquat, hydrogen sulphide, and other substances 4

Common Causes of Chemical Burns

• Acids, such as hydrochloric acid, are a common cause of chemical burns, accounting for 61.9% of cases in one study 5
• Alkali compounds, such as sodium hydroxide, can also cause chemical burns 4
• Organic compounds, such as paraquat, can cause chemical burns 4

Classification of Chemical Burns

• Chemical burns can be classified based on the type of chemical involved, such as acid, alkali, or organic compounds 3
• Chemical burns can also be classified based on the depth of the burn, with alkali burns tend to cause deeper burns than acid burns 3