Chemical Injuries and Frostbite-Chemical Injuries and Frostbite Overview

Chemical Injuries and Frostbite Overview

Pdf Summary

Chemical injuries and frostbite both require prompt and specific care to minimize tissue damage. Chemical burns can occur when exposed to acidic or alkaline agents, causing fluid shifts, cellular dehydration, and coagulation necrosis. Acid burns erode the skin's protective layer, while alkali burns are more dangerous as they penetrate easily and cause liquefactive necrosis. Immediate removal of the chemical agent and continuous water lavage are essential steps in managing chemical injuries. Neutralizing substances may also be administered for specific agents.<br /><br />For frostbite, the fingers, toes, nose, and ears are most commonly affected. Factors such as duration of cold exposure, wind chill effect, altitude, and rate of heat loss contribute to the extent of tissue damage. Cooling and freezing of cells occur, followed by tissue destruction through dehydration and mechanical trauma. Rewarming can cause further damage and should only be initiated once definitive treatment is available. Hospital care involves removing wet clothing, warming the core temperature, rewarming the affected extremities in warm water, administering tetanus prophylaxis and analgesics, and applying appropriate dressings. Thromboxane inhibitors, blood-thinning agents, and thrombolytic agents may be used in treatment, and surgical intervention may be necessary for debridement or amputation. <br /><br />Overall, prompt and appropriate management is crucial in treating chemical injuries and frostbite to prevent further tissue damage and promote recovery.

Keywords

chemical injuries

frostbite

tissue damage

chemical burns

alkaline agents

acid burns

rewarming

hospital care

dehydration

mechanical trauma