Topical Nitric Acid Burns: Initial Assessment and Management

Asmaa Laanaya; Mehdi Ami Ali; Amal Miqdadi; Mostapha Noussair; Mourad Nafaa; Lahcen Belyamani

doi:10.1155/2023/9995933

Topical Nitric Acid Burns: Initial Assessment and Management

Case Rep Dermatol Med. 2023 Jul 24:2023:9995933. doi: 10.1155/2023/9995933. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Asmaa Laanaya¹, Mehdi Ami Ali¹, Amal Miqdadi¹, Mostapha Noussair¹, Mourad Nafaa¹, Lahcen Belyamani²

Affiliations

¹ Emergency Department, Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Health and Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco.
² Emergency Department, Mohamed V Military Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.

Abstract

Nitric acid (NA) is corrosive. On contact with the skin, liquid splashes with nitric acid and may produce severe burns. These burns usually take on a characteristic yellowish hue. We report the case of a 54-year-old man presenting a nitric acid burn with a pathognomonic skin lesion and perfect healing. NA is a chemical that is important in industry, and it is a very strong acid that is used for engraving, metal refining, electroplating, and fertilizer manufacturing. Skin contact with NA leads to severe burns. The pathophysiology depends on the type of concentration, the strength, quality, and duration of contact, and the penetration power of the acids concerned. The early and abundant irrigation with water or sterile isotonic saline solution, the use of panthenol-containing creams and covering with silver sulphadiazine dressing, carefully monitoring wounds, keeping wounds clean and moist, and preventing and managing secondary infection allow the healing.

Publication types

Case Reports