A Rare Case of Chemical Burn Induced by Rumex Plant

BackgroundThe number of toxicology patients evaluated in emergency departments is steadily increasing. In cases of toxicity with local effects, burns are classified as chemical burns, and their treatment process differs from that of thermal burns. In such cases, it is crucial to conduct a thorough patient history and physical examination and to initiate treatment promptly.Case ReportA 62-year-old female patient with redness, pain, and edema compatible with a burn on her left leg presented to the emergency department. It was determined that the burn lesion on her leg was not caused by steam, flame, or scalding, but rather from the herbal paste she had applied to alleviate joint pain. The patient was diagnosed with a chemical burn, debridement was performed, and she healed without sequelae.ResultsEmergency physicians must rapidly identify patients with chemical burns. Unlike thermal burns, chemical burns require early evaluation and rapid decontamination to prevent further damage. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial in the management of chemical burns.Keywords: Chemical burns; alternative medicine; toxicology