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Chemical burns of the auricle and external ear canal
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Chemical burns of the auricle and external auditory canal (as well as other parts of the body) occur due to the action of various aggressive substances that cause a local inflammatory reaction upon contact with living tissue, and at significant concentrations and a certain exposure - coagulation of cellular proteins and necrosis. These substances include strong acids, caustic alkalis, soluble salts of some heavy metals, combat poisonous substances with skin-blistering action, etc.
[ Signs of chemical burns of the auricle and external auditory canal
A feature of chemical burns is the need for a longer exposure for their damaging effect, which allows in some cases the use of neutralizers that can prevent or reduce the damaging effect of chemical exposure.
Chemical burns are classified according to the same scheme as thermal burns. In third-degree chemical burns, necrosis is possible, both dry and wet. Dry necrosis is manifested by mummification of the affected tissues with a clear demarcation from unaffected tissues; this type of necrosis is typical for damage by strong acids.
Wet or colliquative necrosis occurs when damaged by caustic alkalis, in which case the tissues liquefy and melt without forming a clear demarcation line (creeping necrosis).
When affected by toxic warfare agents, the necrotic process can spread significantly beyond the zone of primary contact with the substance, and the general resorptive action of this toxic agent can also be observed.
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Treatment of chemical burns of the auricle and external auditory canal
First aid for chemical burns consists of removing the chemical by washing it off with a large amount of water or neutralizing it with a weak solution of a chemical with the opposite effect: acid - with a solution of baking soda or washing off with some shampoo, alkali - with a weak solution of acetic or citric acid. Further treatment is carried out in specialized hospitals according to the same principles and methods as for thermal burns.