Treatment of acid burns. Damage from heavy metal salts. According to the depth and severity of tissue damage, four degrees of chemical burns are distinguished

In nature, there are about forty chemical elements called heavy metals. They surround us everywhere: they are found in soil, water, air, and are used in everyday life. Some of them are present in living organisms and plants in the form of microelements and participate in all metabolic processes.

In small quantities and when used correctly, heavy metals are beneficial. But with excessive accumulation in tissues, when foreign elements enter the body, symptoms of heavy metal poisoning appear. Therefore, let's get acquainted with the most dangerous of them, with the effect that heavy metal salts have on humans, learn how to recognize poisoning and provide first aid, what treatment is carried out.

According to the depth and severity of tissue damage, four degrees of chemical burns are distinguished

First degree
(
damage to the upper layer of the skin, epidermis
). In this case, there is slight swelling, redness, and mild pain at the site of the lesion.

Second degree

(
damage to the deeper layers of the skin
). In this case, redness and swelling occur, as well as blisters filled with clear liquid.

Third degree

(
damage to the deeper layers of the skin, reaching the subcutaneous adipose tissue
) is accompanied by the appearance of blisters that are filled with cloudy liquid or bloody contents. In this case, there is a violation of sensitivity, that is, the person does not experience pain in the affected area.

Fourth degree

(
damage to all tissues: skin, muscles, tendons
).

In most cases, chemical burns are third

and
fourth
degree.

If the burn occurs under the influence of alkalis and acids

, then a so-called scab or crust appears at the site of the lesion. The crust that appears after exposure to alkalis is loose, whitish, soft and does not stand out among the whole tissue by any boundaries. If we compare alkaline liquids with acidic liquids, it is immediately worth noting that the former tend to penetrate much deeper into the tissue, therefore, they cause more significant harm.

In case of acid burns

the crust is hard and dry.
In addition, it has clearly defined boundaries that distinguish it from healthy areas of the skin. Plus, acid burns are most often superficial. The color of the affected area of
skin in the case of a chemical burn is determined by the type of chemical. If the skin is exposed to sulfuric acid, then it initially turns white, and only then turns brown or gray. If the skin has been burned with nitric acid, then the affected area becomes yellow-brown or light yellow-green. Hydrochloric acid tends to leave yellowish burns, but acetic acid tends to leave a dirty white color. When burned with carbolic acid, the affected area first turns white and then brown. In the case of a burn with concentrated hydrogen peroxide, the affected area becomes gray.

It should be noted that the skin tissue continues to deteriorate even after the chemical component ceases to come into contact with it, and all because the process of absorption of the chemical substance in this case does not stop immediately. As a result, it is simply impossible to establish the exact degree of the burn during the first hours or days after the incident. It will be possible to make an accurate diagnosis only after seven to ten days, namely when the process of suppuration of the resulting crust begins. The danger and severity of this type of burn is determined by both its area and depth. The larger the affected area, the more dangerous the burn is for the patient’s life.

Lead toxicity

Common symptoms include: increasing general weakness, fatigue, irritability, lack of appetite, dizziness, tremor. As the symptoms of lead intoxication increase, a disorder of the digestive tract appears - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and severe abdominal pain such as colic. Fever, changes in pulse, and bradycardia occur. Lead also has a detrimental effect on the nervous system; in large doses it causes encephalopathy, which manifests itself in the form of changes in mood, impaired memory, attention, thinking, unreasonable aggressiveness, disorientation, and drowsiness. If poisoning with the salt of this metal is very extensive, then damage to the spinal cord is involved, which can result in complete paralysis of the muscles of the body. In case of super-severe poisoning, coma or death occurs.

First aid for chemical burns of the skin

First aid in such cases involves: removing the chemical component from the affected area as quickly as possible, reducing the concentration of its residues on the skin by thoroughly rinsing with water, as well as cooling the affected area in order to reduce pain.
In case of a chemical burn to the skin, the following measures should be taken:

You should immediately remove clothing or jewelry that contains chemical components.
To get rid of the causes of the burn, it is necessary to wash off the chemicals from the skin, while holding the affected area under cold running water for at least a quarter of an hour. If it was not possible to rinse the affected area in a timely manner, then the rinsing time is increased to thirty to forty minutes. You should not try to get rid of chemicals using tampons or napkins moistened with water, as this will allow them to penetrate even more deeply into the skin. If the chemical component is in powder form, then first you need to remove its remnants from the skin and only then begin to wash the affected area. Exceptions to the rules are cases when there is a categorical contraindication for the interaction of a chemical component with water. This applies, for example, to aluminum, since organic compounds of this substance tend to ignite upon contact with water.
If after the first rinse a person begins to experience an even stronger burning sensation, then it is recommended to rinse the affected area again with running water for five to six minutes.
As soon as the affected area is washed, you should proceed to neutralize the chemical components. In case of an acid burn, you should use soapy water or a two percent solution of baking soda. This solution is easy to prepare: take two and a half glasses of water and dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in it. In case of an alkali burn, a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid will come to the rescue. The chemical components of lime can be neutralized with a two percent sugar solution. Carbolic acid can be neutralized with milk of lime and glycerin.
You can reduce pain by applying a cold, damp cloth or towel to the affected area.
After this, apply a loose bandage made of clean dry cloth or a dry sterile bandage to the affected surface.

If the burn is not severe, then it will heal without any medications.
For a chemical burn, immediate medical attention is needed in the following cases:

If a person experiences signs of shock such as pale skin, loss of consciousness, and shallow breathing.
If the diameter of the burn is more than seven and a half centimeters, and it has also penetrated deeper than the first layer of skin.
Chemical damage affected the groin area, legs, eyes, buttocks, face, arms or large joints, as well as the esophagus and oral cavity.
A person experiences very strong pain that cannot be relieved with painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
.

If you decide to get specialist advice, then do not forget to take with you the container with the chemical that caused the burn, or its detailed description. This will make it possible to neutralize it much faster, which sometimes cannot be done under normal home conditions.

Treatment of intoxication

Poisoning with salts of heavy metals, for example, mercury, is treated with gastric lavage, inducing vomiting, detoxification with sorbents, and giving plenty of fluids. Specific antidote for mercury poisoning are drugs such as dimercaprol or unithiol. They pay special attention to eliminating organ damage, stabilize water-salt metabolism, and increase diuresis. For long-term mercury intoxication, specific drugs are administered - penicillamine or cholestyramine.

Treatment of poisoning by various heavy metals, such as lead, begins with the immediate administration of an antidote that can bind and remove the metal; antidotes include penicillamine. Further treatment tactics are symptomatic - anticonvulsant therapy is carried out, antispasmodics, diuretics, “hot injections”, respiratory analeptics and cardiac drugs are prescribed.

Arsenic intoxication is treated with general methods - gastric lavage, enemas, sorbents, also correcting the water-salt balance, cardiac activity and eliminating damage to the central nervous system. All victims must be administered an antidote to remove arsenic from the body; unithiol can be considered an antidote.

In case of toxic effects of manganese, the antidote EDTA is administered and symptomatic therapy is carried out.

Chemical burns to the eyes

Chemical burns to the eyes
are the result of lime, acids, ammonia, alkalis or other chemical components entering this area at work or at home. In fact, burns in this area are extremely dangerous, which is why they require timely consultation with a medical specialist. The severity of chemical eye burns is determined by the concentration, temperature, chemical composition, and the amount of the substance that caused the burn. In addition, the general reactivity of the patient’s body, the condition of his eyes, as well as the quality and timeliness of first aid are also taken into account. In most cases, with such burns, the patient experiences the following subjective sensations: lacrimation, fear of light, cutting pain in the eye area. In very severe cases, the patient may lose vision completely. We note right away that with such burns, not only the eyes are affected, but also the skin around them. It is very important to provide first aid to a person in a timely manner. First of all, he needs to rinse his eyes with plenty of running water as quickly as possible. Open your eyelids and rinse your eyes for ten to fifteen minutes. In this case, water is the main neutralizer of chemical components. If the burn is a consequence of exposure to alkali, then milk can be used instead of water. As soon as the eye is thoroughly washed, take a piece of gauze or bandage and apply a dry bandage. As soon as this is done, immediately take the patient to the doctor.

Arsenic toxicity

Arsenic poisoning can be both acute and chronic. Symptoms of acute poisoning include nausea, profuse vomiting, painful abdominal and muscle spasms, tremors of the limbs, inflammation of the oral mucosa, and arterial hypotension. Specific symptoms include impaired capillary permeability and destruction of red blood cells. In case of serious poisoning, cardiac, respiratory and renal failure occurs, coma and death occur. Symptoms of chronic poisoning include the following: lack of appetite leading to weight loss, nausea, stool disturbances, sensory disturbances, muscle weakness, increased fatigue, headaches, drowsiness. The main characteristic sign of arsenic poisoning is the appearance of striations on the nail plates, the so-called Maes stripes.

Chemical burns of the stomach and esophagus

Chemical burns of both the stomach and esophagus
are the result of intentional or accidental ingestion of alkalis such as ammonia or concentrated acids such as battery electrolyte or vinegar essence. Obvious signs of such burns include very severe pain in the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach. If the larynx is also affected, then the patient begins to experience a lack of air. In addition, vomiting, containing bloody mucus and pieces of burnt mucous membrane, makes itself felt. Since this type of burn spreads very quickly, the patient needs immediate first aid, which first includes gastric lavage. It can be washed with a solution of baking soda if we are talking about a burn with acids, or with a weak solution of acetic acid if we are talking about a burn with alkalis. In this case, a person needs to be given not just a large, but a really huge amount of liquid to drink, which will make it possible to completely get rid of the chemical component. In case of such burns, you should call emergency doctors as soon as possible or take the patient to the hospital yourself.

Burns from sulfuric acid began to occur not only among workers in the chemical industry, but also among ordinary housewives. First aid for chemical burns is the first thing you need to know when using products containing acid in your home.

Burns are a common occurrence. People encounter them in everyday life, accidentally pressing themselves against the stove, scalding their hand with boiling water, not wearing gloves, or using a cleaning agent. The consequences depend on the degree of influence of the causes.

Most people, fortunately, know how to provide first aid to themselves or others for a so-called household burn (boiling water, steam, open fire). But in the event of a chemical burn, fewer people will be able to provide first aid and recognize the degree of the burn. Chemical burns have recently begun to occur in ordinary apartments, and not just in chemical plants and laboratories, due to the emergence of a large number of household cleaning products that contain acids, alkalis or their salts.

Manufacturers always warn the buyer on the packaging about the protective equipment (gloves, goggles) that should be used when working with their products. But this warning is often ignored. In other cases, the manufacturer requires the product to be diluted to the required concentration, but, again, due to negligence in the instructions, chemical burns occur. And there is another type of manufacturers who are simply dishonest. They counterfeit cleaning products from honest manufacturers, adding cheap ingredients that sometimes react already in the packaging, but in reality the buyer receives a chemical burn, even if he followed all the safety rules.

First aid for chemical burns has its own characteristics due to a different mechanism of action of the substance on the body area. But, nevertheless, the first and basic rule is to wash the affected area with a sufficiently large amount of water, preferably running water.

A chemical burn means exposure of an area of the body to alkali, acid, heavy metal salts or a mixture of other chemical reagents. The degree of burn will depend on the amount, concentration, and time of exposure to the substance. I degree - only the epidermis (upper layer of skin) is affected, slight redness and burning are possible. II degree - the epidermis and deeper layers are affected. Small bubbles with liquid, redness and slight swelling appear. III degree - all layers of the skin and fat layer are affected. Bubbles with cloudy liquid swell, and the sensitivity of the skin area is impaired. IV degree - all layers of the skin, fat layer, muscles and sometimes bones are affected.

There is a small peculiarity with chemical burns. When a chemical reagent gets in, a crust forms, which is sometimes difficult to distinguish from a healthy area. The crust formed from the action of acid is softer and looser, and is often located on the surface. Alkaline crusts are denser and affect several layers of skin. So the effects of alkalis are more destructive to the human body than acids. An interesting feature is that when sulfuric acid hits an area of the body, the skin first becomes white and then brown.

First aid for chemical burns. Initially, you should remove clothing from the area where the chemical came into contact, as it may spread the reagent to large areas of the body. Next, you need to rinse the burn with water, preferably running water, for 15 minutes. If the wound was not initially washed, this should be done immediately if possible, but the time will increase to 45 minutes as the chemical may have spread into the deeper layers of the skin. You cannot use wet wipes or cotton swabs soaked in water; this can only worsen the process. If itching occurs, rinse the area again with water for 5 minutes.

In the future, if the burn is acidic, then the affected area is treated with a 2% solution of baking soda or soapy water. If there is an alkali, then a weak solution of acetic or citric acid is used for neutralization. Lime is neutralized with a 2% acid solution, and carbolic acid with glycerin. At the end of the process, cold and a loose bandage is applied to the affected area. After providing first aid, the patient should be taken to the hospital, and the victim should also be sent there immediately if he is in shock or has a large area of damage.

Sulfuric acid burns are the most dangerous of chemical burns. Sulfuric acid is a strong dibasic acid and is a strong oxidizing agent. Sulfuric acid absorbs vapors from the air and severely dehydrates organic material. As was written earlier, when it comes into contact with an area of the body, the skin first turns white, then turns brown, and upon healing, a purple scar forms. Getting sulfuric acid into your eyes is dangerous, as it can lead to loss of vision. Inhaling a small amount of this acid vapor can cause a burn to the larynx, and a large concentration can lead to hemorrhagic pneumonia and even death.

First aid for inhaling vapors is fresh air, inhalation with a 2% soda solution, milk with soda should be taken orally, and codeine is prescribed for coughing. In case of shock, the victim should be immediately hospitalized, and before the ambulance arrives, a 1-2% solution of promedol can be injected subcutaneously and given plenty of fluids. First aid for a chemical burn of the eye is aimed at eliminating the reagent, and this can be done by thoroughly washing the eye and conjunctiva with running water, then it is advisable to drip 1-2 drops of a 0.5% solution of dicaine with adrenaline. Help with chemical burns to the eyes must be provided by an ophthalmologist.

There are a number of cases when the affected area should not be washed with water. First, a quicklime burn. Water will only intensify the reaction; the reagent should be removed with vegetable oil. Secondly, burns from aluminum powder. This reagent ignites when interacting with water; it must be shaken off, and only then treat the area with kerosene. Thirdly, phenol is removed with a 40% solution of ethyl alcohol, and phosphoric acid is neutralized with a solution of potassium permanganate or copper sulfate. If any acid or alkali gets inside, do not induce vomiting, as the chemical can injure the esophagus when passing backwards.

Water can be given orally to dilute the concentration of the reagent, but not more than 3 glasses. In case of suffocation of the victim, artificial respiration should be performed, but not “mouth to mouth”, but “nose to mouth”, due to the fact that the larynx can be burned. Do not apply ointments, grease or powder to the burn area, as this may lead to a reaction between the substances. In no case should you open the blisters formed at the burn site, this will lead to complications of the wound with pyogenic or putrefactive microflora.

There is a very good proven folk recipe that can relieve swelling, reduce pain and inflammation. You should take potatoes, grate them, and apply the resulting pulp to the affected area. When the compress heats up, it should be replaced with a new one.

The best treatment is prevention, so you should not neglect safety rules even at home. First aid does not replace calling an ambulance and qualified medical care.

Due to the fact that, due to the nature of my profession, I had to deal with alkalis and acids many times, I can tell you the consequences of not knowing how to provide first aid in case of a burn with one or the other.

One of the stories: during a class at the institute, a girl spilled acid (I can’t tell you which one now, but either hydrochloric or gray felting felt...) on the work table and began wiping it with a rag, which we used to wipe the tables from debris, but not from chemicals.

Naturally, the rag quickly became saturated with acid and, accordingly... fell into the hands of the girl, who, in a fit of quick cleaning, did not even notice it. And then she takes and scratches her cheek and eye with one of her hands... and continues cleaning.

After some time, we see her standing, leaning over the sink and diligently washing her face with water, while howling... of course, it becomes clear that she decided to wash herself at work for a reason. As a result, her teacher scolded her and forced her to wash her hands well and only then carefully rinse your face. The burn was small, in the form of redness of the lung. But it served as a lesson to everyone.

Although, I will say that I also got burned more than once, but everything ended well.) And what chemist hasn’t tried a couple or three chemicals)))

So, let's look at what to do in case of burns with acids or alkalis.

Nowadays, we often use various detergents and cleaning products containing chemicals. Chemicals are used at school in chemistry lessons, in industry, in agriculture, etc. For example, you bought a new product for “your favorite” Colorado potato beetles, went too far with the dosage, started spraying potatoes, the wind was in your direction, and a stream of solution hit your shirt, became saturated and got on your skin. So you've got a chemical burn. And you, women, decided to save money, bought an inexpensive bathtub cleaning product at the market or supermarket, and it was made without complying with chemical standards, and, of course, you started cleaning the bathtub without gloves, the product got on the skin, the skin turned red and started to hurt. There is a chemical burn. Also, chemical burns occur when concentrated acids or alkalis come into contact with the skin; this happens both in industry and in everyday life. We list the basic rules for providing first aid for chemical burns.

Attention!

It is necessary to immediately remove clothing soaked with acid or alkali and rinse the affected area generously with running water (at least 10-15 minutes), but not under pressure! If help is provided with some delay, the duration of washing is increased to 30-40 minutes. The effectiveness of first aid is assessed by the disappearance of the characteristic odor of a chemical substance or by a change in the color of litmus paper. It is necessary to rinse it off under running water, and not try to wipe the chemicals with napkins or swabs moistened with water from the affected area of the skin - this way you rub the chemical into the skin even more. Thirdly, you need to know that first aid for chemical burns includes neutralizing the effects of chemical substances. If you are burned by acid, wash the damaged area of skin with soapy water or a 2 percent solution of baking soda (that's 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2.5 cups of water) to neutralize the acid. If you burn yourself with alkali, wash the damaged area of skin with a solution of citric acid or vinegar. Fourth, apply a dry gauze bandage and consult a doctor. Dear little ones and mothers, all burns occur due to our inattention to ourselves and our loved ones, and serious consequences in the form of scars, etc. occur due to confusion in difficult times and sometimes ignorance of the basic rules of first aid. Today we will learn how to provide first aid to burn victims. Now, having remembered all these minimum necessary rules, you will be able to independently provide assistance in such situations. And be attentive to yourself and your loved ones! Don't get lost! Be confident in your abilities!

From a chemical point of view, an acid is a substance that contains hydrogen atoms (which can be replaced by metal atoms) and an acidic residue.

Acetic acid, malic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), oxalic acid and some other acids are familiar to us in everyday life. This is the so-called organic acids, that is, synthesized by living organisms.

In the chemical industry there are inorganic acidic compounds, for example, the well-known sulfuric (H2SO4) or hydrochloric (HC1) acid.

All acids have an irritating effect (to one degree or another) on the human body.

Mercury intoxication

If the intoxication is acute, in the first hours there is a sharp headache, fever, upset stool, nausea, and vomiting. After a few days, symptoms of damage to the oral mucosa (stomatitis) and gums (gingivitis) appear. With extensive poisoning, failure occurs in the cardiovascular and urinary systems. Mercury has a tropism, i.e. the ability to selectively accumulate to the central nervous system, causing characteristic symptoms: motor excitation or, conversely, inhibition, tremors of the limbs, the appearance of pathological tendon reflexes. In severe cases, convulsive seizures of the epilepsy type develop, coma or death occurs. Workers at chemical or other enterprises with prolonged contact with mercury vapor may experience chronic poisoning with this metal, which is usually manifested by neurological symptoms. Victims experience a decrease in concentration, inhibition of thinking, decreased or impaired memory, emotional lability (sudden mood changes), a feeling of numbness in the limbs and crawling, patients note blurred vision or the appearance of scotomas (loss of margins), a characteristic feature is changes in the gums the appearance of a blue edging, a persistent increase in blood pressure.

What types of acid burns are there?

1st degree burn: moderate redness appears, the affected area burns and hurts.

2nd degree burn: more intense redness, swelling, severe pain, blisters may appear on the skin.

3rd degree burn: skin necrosis, burn areas change color (may become completely white, or vice versa, darken), tissue around the burn turns red, severe pain.

4th degree burn: necrosis of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles, severe pain.

How to provide first aid if acid gets on your skin?

1. First of all, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse the burned area with running water (for 15-20 minutes) to reduce the concentration of the chemical. After this, you should wash the affected area again with soapy water or a solution of baking soda (a teaspoon of baking soda per glass of water).

2. Try not to touch the burned area with your hands, this may cause acid residue to get on you and cause pain to the victim. In general, it is better to carry out all manipulations with thick gloves.

3. Free the burned surface of the skin from clothing; if you cannot remove it, cut it off with scissors. However, do not peel the fabric from the surface of the skin unless it is removable.

4. If a person is in shock (he turns pale, breathing quickens, the pulse is barely palpable), the victim should be given 15-20 drops of valerian tincture.

5. After providing first aid, you must consult a doctor.

Alkalis

Alkalis (potassium hydroxide, caustic soda, etc. - thinning substances with a cauterizing effect), removing water from tissues, break down proteins and saponify fats. Burns with alkalis cause changes in deeper layers than with acids, since alkalis do not coagulate proteins. The scab is thick, pale in color, soft and friable; After its removal, bleeding is observed.

Burns from phosphorus-containing drugs (phosphorus, napalm, pyrogel) are very deep, since after contact with the skin these substances continue to burn (thermochemical burn). The wounds from these burns have a specific smell, sometimes it is compared to the smell of garlic, their surface is covered with a dirty gray coating. Later, a large amount of serous-purulent discharge appears, which subsequently causes deep necrosis.

What burns cannot be washed with water?

Remember that rinsing is contraindicated for burns caused by quicklime or organic aluminum compounds, which become much more active when in contact with water. The area affected by lime should be treated with vegetable oil, with which to remove the chemical compound from the surface of the skin, and then make a lotion from a 5% solution of citric or acetic acid. Aluminum compounds should be treated with kerosene or unleaded gasoline. If phenol gets on your skin, use a 40% solution of ethyl alcohol; if you get phosphoric acid, first remove particles of phosphorus from the skin, and then wash it with a 5% solution of copper sulfate or a solution of potassium permanganate.

When urgent cleansing is needed

Acute symptoms indicating poisoning include the following:

Strong headache;
nausea;
stomach upset;
cramping abdominal pain;
dizziness;
fainting;
metallic taste in the mouth;
pain in the esophagus;
ulcers on the oral mucosa;
redness of the larynx.

If toxic elements are introduced into cells, irreversible changes occur that lead to:

metabolic disorders;
changes in DNA structure;
energy loss at the cellular level.

Heavy metals not only poison the body, but are also capable of destroying important systems, disrupting the functioning of important organs, which leads to irreversible damage.

What not to do?

1. Burned areas should not be lubricated with fats, ointments or sprinkled with starch.

2. Do not open blisters if they are formed from a burn on the surface of the skin.

3. Do not use tampons, towels or napkins to remove acid from the victim - this will only rub them into the skin.

4. If you are not sure what kind of acid you have suffered from, you should not try to neutralize it yourself! Simply wash the damaged area with water and a baking soda solution.

5. Under no circumstances leave the victim without professional medical assistance. The first aid you provide does not cancel calling an ambulance.

An acid burn is a serious injury to the skin. These damages are most often found in large enterprises rather than in domestic settings. However, none of us are immune from such burns in everyday life.

The main mistake of most victims is that they begin the wrong treatment of the disease. As a result, irreversible processes are observed that cause significant harm to health.

Diagnostics

Intoxication with salts of heavy metals is specific; studying the life history, area of work, age and living conditions also helps in making a diagnosis. Among the laboratory research methods, it is worth conducting a clinical blood test, a clinical urine test, a biochemical study of blood and urine, EEG, ECG and other instrumental methods. Currently, one of the leading methods that makes it possible to most reliably determine heavy metal poisoning is to determine the level of nulkeic acids in the blood.

Main features of an acid burn

What does it represent? In the process of exposure to chemical components on the surface of the upper cells of the epidermis, they are destroyed, which is accompanied by unpleasant sensations. Failure to follow basic safety rules can cause severe burns.

Any acid contains compounds of heavy metals and various salts that have a negative effect on the human body. If penetrated, serious inflammatory reactions may occur, which can be fatal.

In medicine, there are several stages of acid burn. Each of them has characteristic features that require timely provision of first aid.

Symptoms of metal poisoning

Heavy metals tend to affect many organs and systems; they can accumulate in the body and persist for a long time; some metals can even change the chromosome set. Poisoning with heavy metals manifests itself both as general symptoms characteristic of any type of intoxication, and as specific ones. It is necessary to know the specific symptoms of poisoning in order to provide first aid to the victim in a timely manner. The clinical picture of the course of poisoning is particularly severe and has a high mortality rate. Let's consider the clinical picture and general signs of poisoning with salts of various metals.

Stages of an acid burn

Stage 1. Skin lesions are accompanied by swelling or redness. Upon contact with an irritant, a small wound may appear on the surface of the epidermis. Severe burning or itching may occur in the affected area;
Stage 2. Small watery blisters appear on the skin. The chemical may penetrate soft tissue. The person experiences a strong burning sensation;
Stage 3. The affected area becomes covered with large blisters containing cloudy liquid. In some cases, they contain a small amount of blood. The victim experiences pain shock and high fever. Subsequently, soft tissue necrosis occurs. In the affected area, severe redness of the skin is observed, which subsequently begins to quickly darken;
Stage 4. The acid affects the deep layers of soft tissue, gradually affecting tendons and bone tissue.

Forecast

The prognosis depends on the depth and area of the burns, the general condition of the body, the presence of concomitant injuries and diseases. To determine the prognosis, the lesion severity index (ISI) and the rule of hundreds (RS) are used.

Lesion severity index

Applicable in all age groups. With ITP, 1% of a superficial burn is equal to 1 unit of severity, 1% of a deep burn is 3 units. Inhalation lesions without respiratory dysfunction - 15 units, with respiratory dysfunction - 30 units.

Forecast:

favorable – less than 30 units;
relatively favorable – from 30 to 60 units;
doubtful – from 61 to 90 units;
unfavorable – 91 or more units.

In the presence of combined lesions and severe concomitant diseases, the prognosis worsens by 1-2 degrees.

Hundred Rule

Usually used for patients over 50 years of age. Calculation formula: sum of age in years, area of burns in percentage. A burn to the upper respiratory tract is equivalent to 20% skin damage.

Forecast:

favorable – less than 60;
relatively favorable – 61-80;
doubtful – 81-100;
unfavorable – more than 100.

Characteristic signs of burns caused by different types of acids

A burn with sulfuric acid is accompanied by the appearance of necrosis in the area of the affected skin cells. With slight contact with the reagent, a small crust appears on the skin, which has clear boundaries of a light shade. It has a fairly soft surface, when damaged, a small amount of lymph appears.

When a large area is damaged, a deep wound appears, which is covered with a dense, dry crust. Inside, the acidic components continue to damage the soft tissues of the human body. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, it can also cause muscle tissue damage. In the future, they are not able to regenerate, which leads to amputation of the damaged limbs.

A burn with salicylic acid is not capable of causing significant harm to human health. The affected area has mild damage in the form of redness and slight swelling. The victim experiences itching and burning. Properly selected treatment can relieve the patient of discomfort within a few hours from the moment of therapy.

A burn with hydrochloric acid leads to the appearance of a yellow spot in the area of contact between the skin and the chemical component. After some time, the victim experiences a strong burning sensation and lack of sensitivity in the affected area. This indicates a rapid chemical reaction within the body.

A burn with citric acid has minor manifestations. A red spot with unclear boundaries appears at the site of exposure to the components and the skin. The chemical reaction does not cause significant changes in a person’s well-being.

Important! If acid gets on the skin, it is necessary to immediately carry out first aid, which can reduce pain and preserve the skin.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine has in its arsenal many recipes for treating chemical burns:

Compresses made from flax oil mixed with chopped boiled onions are indicated for third-degree burns. The onion is pre-boiled and brought to a paste-like state in a mixer, adding a small amount of flax oil. Change the treatment bandage twice a day, continuing treatment until the epithelial layer is restored.
Applying a fresh cabbage leaf helps eliminate pain and has an astringent effect. A leaf of fresh white cabbage is washed with boiled water and secured with a bandage to the burn site with light rounds.
Applications of fresh grated potatoes help with minor burns, using them in the first minutes after injury. The potatoes are grated and squeezed through several layers of gauze. Compresses are repeated 2-3 times a day. Be sure to apply a fresh portion of plant mass at night.
Treating the burn site with a solution of starch and soda reduces the likelihood of blistering. Dry starch is mixed with baking soda in equal quantities and sprinkled on the damaged surface.

Other recipes:

100 g of green shoots of St. John's wort are mixed with 300 ml of sunflower oil. The burns are lubricated after thirty minutes of boiling, cooling and filtering the mixture.
Fir oil is as effective for blisters as sea buckthorn oil. For the dressing, use a sterile gauze pad soaked in oil. The napkin is fixed with a bandage and changed several times a day.
A milk decoction of black elderberry leaves is prepared from 2 tablespoons of plant material and 0.5 liters of milk. After adding milk, the crushed herb is kept in a water bath for 10 minutes. Strain the solution after the mixture has cooled completely. For treatment, it is better to choose napkins made of natural linen. They are moistened with the prepared decoction. Place steamed leaves on a moistened napkin. The application is applied to the burn for several hours, followed by changing the bandage.
A decoction of garden rose, elderberry, chamomile, beet roots and onions can be prepared quickly and obtain a good therapeutic effect. It is enough to peel one onion and cut it into several parts. Add a few tablespoons of chopped elderberry roots and grated beets to it. About 100 g of garden rose petals will be enough. Only a pinch of chamomile will be needed. The mixture is poured into 1 liter of water for subsequent boiling. Lotions are made from the cooled broth.

First aid

First aid for an acid burn includes several important steps:

The affected area must be thoroughly rinsed with running water for 20 minutes. After this, it is treated with a weak alkaline solution of baking soda. To do this you will need 1 teaspoon of dry powder and 200 ml of warm water.
All actions must be carried out wearing protective sterile gloves. If you do not adhere to these rules, the risk of infection of damaged tissue increases.
First aid for acid burns requires special care. You should not make any sudden movements. This may cause the reagent to spread to new areas of the skin. If acid residues are present on clothing, it must be carefully trimmed using sharp scissors or a knife.
When providing assistance to the victim, it is recommended to use a small dose of a sedative. The medicinal components included in the composition help normalize a person’s emotional state.
When all measures have been completed, it is necessary to transport the patient to the nearest burn department for further treatment.

Burn disease

Burn disease is the human body’s response to severe burn injury. It develops with 3-4 degree burns with a lesion area of more than 10% in adults and 5% in children, or with mild 1-2 degree burns, but with a lesion area of more than 30% of the skin. However, in weakened individuals suffering from decreased immunity or severe chronic diseases, it can occur even when the affected area is 3% or less.

Burn disease includes 4 successive stages through which the human body passes.

What to do if there is a burn to the mucous membranes

In some cases, eye, mouth and nose injuries may occur in production. How to provide first aid? In this case it is necessary:

rinse the mucous membrane with a weak alkali. It's basically a baking soda solution. They turn the eyeball, wash the nasal passages and rinse the mouth. If acid gets inside, it is necessary to drink the victim with clean water;
If the victim experiences frequent vomiting, it is important to provide him with warm drinks. This will help reduce the concentration of reagents;
If the skin is burned with acid, it is not recommended to leave the patient unattended. In some cases, victims experienced loss of consciousness and complete cessation of the respiratory rhythm;
If acid enters the esophagus, do not induce frequent vomiting. The contents of the stomach mixed with a chemical substance can severely injure the esophageal trachea. In the future, the person will not be able to feed himself.

Compliance with basic safety rules can protect a person from various troubles. When working with chemical solutions, the first step is to completely protect the skin. A special mask or goggles must be worn over the eyes.

Other rehabilitation methods

A skin burn is a serious psychologically traumatic situation, especially if it occurs on an open area of the body, in particular on the face. People always have a hard time with this event, so another method of rehabilitation is psychological help. Statistics say that post-traumatic stress disorder after severe burns develops in 80% of children and 30% of adults.

Another important goal of rehabilitation is the restoration of physical activity. Therapeutic exercise and gymnastics help accelerate blood circulation in the burn area, which speeds up wound healing and prevents contractures after burn wounds. However, it should only take place under the supervision of a specialist.