This manuscript highlights and critically analyses clinical and forensic signs related to chemical burns. Signs that may lead to suspicion of a particular chemical are thoroughly discussed regarding its underlying mechanisms. Burns due to sulfuric, hydrofluoric, nitric, hydrochloric (muriatic) and acetic (including derivatives) acids, hydrogen sulphide, sodium (caustic soda) and calcium (cement) hydroxides, paraquat, burns after inflation and rupture of airbags, povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine/alcohol (in preterm infants), laxatives, and vesicants (warfare agents), will be reviewed since these are the most common agents found in daily practice, for which relevant and timed information may be helpful in formulating an emergency treatment protocols and toxicological analysis.
Keywords: Acetic acid and derivatives; Calcium hydroxide (cement); Chemical burns; Chlorhexidine/alcohol; Hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid); Hydrofluoric acid; Hydrogen sulphide; Inflation and rupture of airbags; Laxatives; Nitric acid; Paraquat; Povidone–iodine; Sodium hydoxide (caustic soda); Sulfuric acid; Vesicants.
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