Topical Nitric Acid Burns: Initial Assessment and Management

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.