Substances that cause damage on contact with body surfaces
Degree of injury determined by pH, concentration, volume, duration of contact
Acidic agents cause coagulative necrosis
Alkaline agents cause liquefactive necrosis (considered more damaging to most tissues)
Corrosive agents have reducing, oxidising, denaturing or defatting potential
Accepts protons → free hydroxide ion, which easily penetrates tissue → cellular destruction
Liquefactive necrosis and protein disruption may allow for deep penetration into surrounding tissues
Examples
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH)
Lye present in drain cleaners, hair relaxers, grease remover
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and Ammonia (NH3)
Cleaning products such as oven cleaners, swimming pool chlorinator
Household bleach ingestion (4-6% sodium hypochlorite) rarely causes significant esophageal injury
Liquefactive necrosis and protein disruption may allow for deep penetration into surrounding tissues
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH)
Lye present in drain cleaners, hair relaxers, grease remover
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and Ammonia (NH3)
Cleaning products such as oven cleaners, swimming pool chlorinator
Household bleach ingestion (4-6% sodium hypochlorite) rarely causes significant esophageal injury
Lye present in drain cleaners, hair relaxers, grease remover
Cleaning products such as oven cleaners, swimming pool chlorinator
Household bleach ingestion (4-6% sodium hypochlorite) rarely causes significant esophageal injury
Proton donor → free hydrogen ion → cell death via denatured protein → coagulation necrosis and eschar formation, which limits deeper involvement
However, due to pylorospasm and pooling of acid, high-grade gastric injuries are common
Mortality rate is higher compared to strong alkali ingestions
Can be systemically absorbed and → metabolic acidosis, hemolysis, AKI
Examples
Hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrofluoric acid (HF), Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), Phosphoric acid, Oxalic Acid, Acetic acid
Found in: auto batteries, drain openers, toilet bowl, metal cleaners, swimming pool cleaners, rust remover, nail primer
However, due to pylorospasm and pooling of acid, high-grade gastric injuries are common
Mortality rate is higher compared to strong alkali ingestions
Mortality rate is higher compared to strong alkali ingestions
Hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrofluoric acid (HF), Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), Phosphoric acid, Oxalic Acid, Acetic acid
Found in: auto batteries, drain openers, toilet bowl, metal cleaners, swimming pool cleaners, rust remover, nail primer
Found in: auto batteries, drain openers, toilet bowl, metal cleaners, swimming pool cleaners, rust remover, nail primer
Caustic burn
Caustic ingestion
Cement burn
Caustic eye exposure 
Stingray injury
Caustic dermal burn
Cold injuries
Airbag-related burns