Burns by Acetic Acid. Clinical case and literature review

Abstract

Introduction. Surgical wound infections are the second cause of death in low-income countries and globally Acetic acid is now known as a potent broad-spectrum antiseptic against great positive, high negatives, fungi and protozoa, through its action biocide and its biostatic action, producing coagulation and precipitation of proteins, altering the characteristics of cellular permeability and toxicity or poisoning of enzymatic systems of bacteria, which produce a rapid lysis of microorganisms 5-10 min in the wound. Apply to debride and clean the bed is used in Washes 3/3: Washes with Saline 0.9%, washed with warm saline solution the wound then apply acetic acid diluted 1-5% leave 2-3 minutes, then washed With saline, apply acetic acid then saline again. Acetic acid burns are infrequent and will depend to injury dilution, concentration, time of exposure. Clinical case: We present the case of a 25-year-old woman, cesarean delivery with infection and dehiscence of the site, the surgical wound treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, without improvement, since it did not improve, the use of topical agents such as acetic acid, causing a second degree burn on the edge of the wound and pubis, later presenting fascia involvement, debridement, cleaning and wound closure was performed, the patient was followed up and found without sequelae and with clinical improvement. Discussion: The risk of burns acetic acid increases depending on patient tolerability, the degree of concentration, dilution and exposure time of the topical antiseptic agent. Conclusion: Although acetic acid burns are infrequent, it is always necessary to keep in mind the dilution of the adequate concentration and the time of exposure to acetic acid, since depending on the tolerability changes the prognosis and treatment of the patient.