An Unusual Case of Suicide Attempt Using Intravenous Injection of Kerosene
A 34-year-old male patient presented to our out-patient department with a history of injecting about 5 ml of kerosene to his left hand at two sites following an argument with his family members 2 days prior to presentation, with an intention to commit suicide. Initially he experienced mild pain and redness at the injected sites. After 2 days, the pain became intolerable leading to disturbed sleep, with multiple blisters and swelling of the left hand.\nHe is a chronic alcoholic, but he has had no psychiatric problems. No other significant medical history was noted.\nOn examination, he was an alert middle-aged man, moderately built and nourished, and well oriented to time, place, and person. He was in agonizing pain with a temperature of 38°C. Systemic examination was within normal limits.\nMultiple vesicles and blisters were present over the left forearm and few over the dorsal aspect of the left hand. Few erosions were also present. Black discoloration extending from the hand up to the lower third of the arm was present. Local rise of temperature and tenderness was present from the hand up to lower third of arm. Patient was unable to flex the hand. Peripheral pulses (radial, ulnar, and brachial arteries) were feeble. Capillary refilling could not be elicited [Figures and ].\nThere were no other lesions.\nExamination of the mucus membranes, hair, and nails was normal.\nThe following diagnoses were considered:\nIrritant contact dermatitis Cellulitis.\nThe patient was admitted to the ward; intravenous (IV) amoxycillin with clavulinic acid, IV steroid, and IV fluids were started.\nThe patient was referred to Department of Surgery and Psychiatry for an opinion. But the patient refused to take further treatment and left against medical advice.