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Experimental 70% hydrofluoric acid burns: histological observations in an established human skin explants ex vivo model.

Experimental 70% hydrofluoric acid burns: histological observations in an established human skin explants ex vivo model.

Authors :
Burgher F
Mathieu L
Lati E
Gasser P
Peno-Mazzarino L
Blomet J
Hall AH
Maibach HI
Source :
Cutaneous and ocular toxicology [Cutan Ocul Toxicol] 2011 Jun; Vol. 30 (2), pp. 100-7. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Nov 15.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Background: Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is particularly dangerous due to the potential for systemic effects and induction of severe skin necrosis through two mechanisms: corrosiveness and local tissue toxicity. In addition, because it is only partially dissociated (pK(a) 3.2), it is capable of penetrating deeply into tissues. There is a lack of experimental studies that objectively characterize the behavior of HF diffusion into human skin, specifically the kinetics of tissue penetration resulting in severe cellular lesions.<br />Methodology/principal Findings: We describe the cutaneous effects of HF using an established ex vivo human skin model. The diffusion of 70% HF starts within the first minute of contact at the epidermal surface and after 2 min reaches the basal layer. In the subsequent minute, the epidermis is destroyed and lesions appear in the papillary dermis after 4 min. Soon after, damage appears in the upper reticular dermis. Thus, 70% HF needs only 5 min of contact to completely penetrate human skin explants. This experiment is reproducible and corroborates previous studies and clinical effects reported in accidental HF exposures.<br />Conclusion/significance: This study shows that the management of HF chemical skin exposure is a question of minutes, especially for initial decontamination. These experimental observations could be useful for objectively comparing skin decontamination methods. Further studies should help to confirm these preliminary results.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1556-9535
Volume :
30
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Cutaneous and ocular toxicology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
21077748
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3109/15569527.2010.533316