Phenol burns and intoxications are life-threatening injuries. Roughly
50 per cent of all reported cases have a fatal outcome. Only a small n
umber of cases have been reported with high serum concentrations after
phenol burns who survived. In our own experience a patient with 20.5
per cent total body surface area deep partial skin thickness phenol bu
rns and serum concentrations of 17 400 mug/litre survived after immedi
ate and repeated treatment of the scalds with polyethylene glycol (PEG
) and silver sulphadiazine. A literature review of experiences with ph
enol intoxications reveals the advantages of PEG application. Question
s on the need for enforced diuresis and haemodialysis as well as the i
nitial treatment procedures are discusses. Advantages of different sol
utions for local therapy are reported.