‘Successful’ case with med student highlights need for knowledge of chemical burns

A case of nitric acid burns suffered by a medical student demonstrates the “often overlooked” dangers of pursuing a medical education.The “rare incident” involved a 19-year-old male medical student who, while engaged in laboratory work, suffered a “spillage” of 69% nitric acid on the anterior of his right thigh, according to an article detailing the incident and its aftermath.The authors of the case study stressed the need for preventative measures. The case also demonstrates the importance of treating chemical burns promptly and comprehensively in order to prevent complications including infection, delayed wound healing and long-term sequelae.“Chemical burn injuries pose unique challenges in the realm of emergency medicine and require prompt and specialized care. Nitric acid, a potent corrosive substance, can lead to severe tissue damage upon contact, making incidents involving its exposure a matter of considerable concern,” the authors wrote, stressing that medical students are susceptible to these hazards.The patient in this case had no significant medical or family history. He arrived at the emergency department 15 minutes after the accident with a “characteristic” nitric acid burn wound between first and second degree.Before arriving at the hospital, the patient did something that would prove crucial: he ran the wound under tap water for five minutes.“The importance of immediate decontamination, as evidenced by the patient washing the wound under tap water before seeking medical attention, cannot be overstated,” the authors wrote. “This rapid response likely contributed to the observed vitally stable condition upon arrival at the emergency department.”Subsequently, the patient received a thorough saline wash, followed by the prompt application of silver sulfadiazine ointment after a “distinctive yellowish hue” was observed over the thigh. The wound was then covered with dressing.The patient then underwent lab work (an electrolyte panel and routine blood tests) and was admitted to the general surgery ward for observation. After 24 hours, the wound exhibited a “peculiar green colour.”Upon discharge he was told to follow up in the surgery outpatient department for further assessments and dressing.It took four weeks for the wound to heal with scar formation, without signs of inflammation or infection. This “successful outcome,” the authors wrote, underscores the importance of timely and comprehensive intervention for chemical burns, including immediate wound irrigation and specialized care.

‘Successful’ case with med student highlights need for knowledge of chemical burns

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