A review of hydrofluoric acid burn management

A review of hydrofluoric acid burn management.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) causes a unique chemical burn. Much of the current treatment knowledge of HF burns is derived from case reports, small case series, animal studies and anecdotal evidence. The management can be challenging because clinical presentation and severity of these burns vary widely. Plastic surgeons managing burn patients must have a basic understanding of the pathophysiology, th...

Caustic Hypocalcemia: Hydrofluoric Acid Burn

Hydrofluoric acid is a strong inorganic acid. It differs from other acids in that the fluoride ion readily penetrates the skin, causing destruction of deep tissue layers and even bone. Burns caused by hydrofluoric acid can be life-threatening. The specific antidote, calcium gluconate, can be applied topically, injected into tissue or infused intra-arterially. Emergency medical teams should be f...

Hydrofluoric acid burn: a case report.

A case of occupational hydrofluoric acid exposure is presented, accentuating the importance of eliciting an occupational history during the initial emergency department evaluation. Patients who present with major hydrofluoric acid burns are at risk for systemic complications, including potentially fatal hypocalcemia. Information regarding the accident and workplace circumstances may well allow ...

Management of Hydrofluoric Acid Burns

DESCRIPTION This is a 45-year-old male who injured himself while working on a motor vehicle 5 days prior to presentation. A cleaning agent containing hydrofluoric acid came into contact with both hands. Initially the patient only complained of minor discomfort but over the course of 5 days, he developed progressively worsening pain and swelling involving the right thumb and left index finger. H...

Hydrofluoric acid.