The burning issue of white phosphorus: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

BackgroundBurns from white phosphorus are rare and remain a challenge for clinicians. White phosphorus burns are often associated with smaller surface areas and high morbidity rates. Classed as a chemical burn, white phosphorus is used for military purposes and within industry, for the manufacture of fireworks and agricultural products.Case presentationIn this report, we discuss the case of a 40 years old female who sustained 2% Total Body Surface Area partial to full thickness burns from white phosphorus. The burns were treated conservatively with mafenide acetate on the medial calf and dorsum of foot and Flaminal Forte was used for the palmar region. The patient was discharged 22 days after admission and followed up in the outpatient clinic. Despite the use of pressure garments, hypertrophic scarring began to develop on the dorsum of her right foot.ConclusionsDuring peacetime, white phosphorus possess a significant danger to civilians. Awareness of the unique nature of white phosphorus among military burn clinicians should be emphasized.

The Effect of Blast-Related Burn Injuries from Prolonged Field Care to Rehabilitation and Resilience: A Review of the Scientific Literature

“…In a case series of 13 burn victims exposed to a mustard gas attack, Kilic and colleagues, 2018, found that antihistamine was useful in relieving itching from the burn and noted the utility of a topical antiseptic applied to skin lesions to prevent infection. Another article discussed the complexities of care for patients with white phosphorous burns and reported the positive effects of mafenide acetate and flaminal forte to prevent infection (Aviv et al, 2017).…”

Intoxicación por fósforo blanco durante fiestas decembrinas: a propósito de un caso

“…La fase uno ocurre durante las primeras 24 horas de contacto con la sustancia tóxica. A nivel cutáneo se describen quemaduras de primer a tercer grado profundo, de acuerdo con la cantidad e intensidad del contacto con la piel [9][10][11] . En caso de ingesta del fósforo blanco puede haber síntomas vagos como dolor abdominal, náuseas, emesis o deposiciones diarreicas no sanguinolentas.…”

The Human Suffering caused by bomb containing White Phosphorus: Health Effects

“…Various weapons including white phosphorus is a multipurpose grenade used for gesturing and inflammation; it may cause deep burns of smaller area with high degree of morbidity 6 . The injuries and death due to white phosphorus may be three ways: Burning deeply into tissue, inhalation of smoke or ingestion of white phosphorous.…”