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Handbook of Occupational Dermatology pp 325–332Cite as

Chemical Skin Burns

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Abstract

Chemical skin burns are particularly common in industry, but they also occur in non-work-related environments. Occupationally induced chemical burns are frequently noticed when visiting and examining workers at their work sites. Corrosive chemicals used in hobbies are an increasing cause of skin burns. Disinfectants and cleansers are examples of household products which can cause chemical burns. However, in most cases, the cause of a chemical burn is obvious to the affected persons and damage is minimal and heals without medical care, so medical attention is not sought. Sometimes the chemical burns are severe and extensive, with the risk of complications and long-term disability. In the acute stage, there is a varying risk of systemic effects, including a fatal outcome, depending on exposure conditions and the incriminating agent. For these reasons it is important for the physician to have knowledge of corrosive chemicals as well as of chemical burns with regard to their clinical manifestations, specific medical treatments, and preventive measures.

This chapter is based on the chapter Chemical Skin Burns, written by M. Bruze and S. Fregert. In: T. Menné and H.I. Maibach (Eds.) Hand Eczema.

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Authors
  1. M. Bruze
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  2. S. Fregert
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  3. B. Gruvberger
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Dermatology, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 aA, 00250, Helsinki, Finland

    Lasse Kanerva M.D., Ph.D.

  2. Department of Occupational Dermatology, Karolinska Hospital, 117 76, Stockholm, Sweden

    Jan E. Wahlberg M.D., Ph.D.

  3. National Institute for Working Life, 117 76, Stockholm, Sweden

    Jan E. Wahlberg M.D., Ph.D.

  4. Klinik für Hautkrankheiten, Klinikum der FSU Jena, Erfurter Straße 35, 07740, Jena, Germany

    P. Elsner

  5. School of Medicine, University of California, Box 0989, Surge 100, 94143-0989, CA, San Francisco, USA

    Howard I. Maibach M.D.

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© 2000 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Bruze, M., Fregert, S., Gruvberger, B. (2000). Chemical Skin Burns. In: Kanerva, L., Wahlberg, J.E., Elsner, P., Maibach, H.I. (eds) Handbook of Occupational Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-07677-4_38

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-07677-4_38

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-07679-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-07677-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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