Chemical burns: pathophysiology and therapeutic protocols—do cervico-facial injuries pose specific challenges?

Chemical burns, though relatively rare, present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their complex pathophysiology and the need for specialized care. A retrospective study was conducted, examining the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of 33 patients with chemical burns admitted to our burn center for 8 years, representing 4.39% of all burn cases. Among them, 15 patients (45.45%) had chemical burns on the face and neck. The majority of these patients were men, with a relatively younger average age, and a significant proportion had work-related accidents. The burned surface area was variable, with many patients sustaining small total body surface area (TBSA), although some presented with extensive involvement. The prevalence of superficial partial-thickness burns was higher, but deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns were also common. A large proportion of patients had favorable Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI) scores, indicating a high probability of survival. However, ocular involvement was a major complication. The study emphasizes the importance of timely intervention, including appropriate wound management strategies, specialized dressings, and skin substitutes. The findings also stress the need for a multidisciplinary approach, close monitoring, and adherence to safety protocols to optimize outcomes and minimize long-term complications in patients with chemical burns, particularly those of the face and neck region.