Chromic acid burns: Early aggressive excision ts the best method to prevent systemic toxicity

Chromium poisoning can occur from the cutaneous absorption of chromium from burns that are as small as 1% of the total body surface area. In this case report, we describe a patient with 10% total body surface area burns cause d by hot chromic acid. The amount of chromium removed by peritoneal dialysi s and the amount of chromium in the urine were estimated, as well as the ch romium content in the excised skin, serum, and red blood cells. The extent of chromium load from this type of injury and subsequent risk of systemic p oisoning is not predictable, and we therefore believe that systemic toxicit y is best prevented by early excision of the burned skin.