CHEMICAL BURNS

Course overview

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS SHOULD BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT CHEMICAL BURNS FROM EXPOSURE TO ACIDS (PH LESS THAN 7), ALKALIS (PH GREATER THAN 7), AND IRRITANTS TO RECOGNIZE, MANAGE AND CARE FOR THESE COMMON TYPES OF INJURY. CHEMICAL BURNS ARE THE RESULT OF EXPOSURES TO A VARIETY OF SUBSTANCES COMMONLY FOUND IN THE HOME, WORKPLACE, AND SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT. THE BURN MAY BE OBVIOUS, FOR EXAMPLE, FROM A DIRECT SPILL OR OTHER EXPOSURE, OR MORE COVERT, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. CHEMICAL BURNS CAN CAUSE SHORT-TERM, LONG-TERM, AND LIFELONG HEALTH PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY IF UNDERTREATED. OCCASIONALLY, THEY CAN RESULT IN PREMATURE DEATH, ESPECIALLY IF INGESTED IN AN ATTEMPT TO SELF-HARM. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PRESENTATION OF CHEMICAL BURNS AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN ITS MANAGEMENT.