Chemical burn

A chemical burn is tissue injury caused by contact with a corrosive or otherwise damaging substance. Its severity depends on the agent, concentration, exposure time, and affected tissue.

Acid: A substance that donates protons or accepts electron pairs in chemical reactions. Acids can denature proteins and cause tissue injury, often producing a surface barrier that limits deeper penetration.
Chemical eye injury: Damage to the eye caused by contact with a harmful chemical. Eye exposure is an urgent form of chemical burn requiring immediate, prolonged irrigation.
Thermal burn: Tissue injury caused by heat from sources such as flames, hot liquids, or heated surfaces. Unlike thermal burns, chemical injury may continue while the substance remains on or in tissue.
Corneal opacity: Loss of transparency in the cornea that can impair vision. Severe chemical eye injuries can scar the cornea and leave permanent visual impairment.
Corrosive substance: A substance that chemically destroys or irreversibly damages materials, including living tissue. Corrosives are a major class of agents that produce chemical burns.
Base: A substance that accepts protons or donates electron pairs in chemical reactions. Strong bases can dissolve fats and penetrate tissue deeply, making their burns especially destructive.
Skin irrigation: Flushing skin with water to remove contaminants and reduce their contact with tissue. Prompt, copious irrigation is a central first-aid measure for many chemical exposures.
Electrical burn: Tissue injury caused by electric current passing through the body. Electrical burns arise from current and may damage deep tissues despite limited surface signs.
Esophageal stricture: Abnormal narrowing of the esophagus, often caused by scarring after injury. Ingestion of corrosive chemicals can scar the esophagus and obstruct swallowing.
Concentration: The amount of a substance present in a given volume or mixture. Higher concentrations often increase the rate and severity of tissue damage.

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