An extreme oral chemical burns caused by an accidental contact with sodium hydroxide in a young adult: A case report

Abstract

Oral chemical burn occurs when chemical substances such as acid or alkaline come in contact with the mouth, causing burns and ulcers on the oral mucosa. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong alkaline chemical substance that is capable of penetrating very deeply, resulting in extensive tissue damage. The aim of this case report is to describe the extreme oral chemical burns caused by accidental contact with NaOH in a young adult. A 30-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital as he had an accidental contact 7 h ago, with NaOH, while cleaning the bathroom. The patient was referred to the Oral Medicine Department due to the complaint in the oral cavity. The diagnosis was made based on history, clinical, and X-ray examination. He was treated with a compounded mouthwash containing diphenhydramine and sucralfate, applying the lips with a gauze soaked in 0,9% NaCl, and then continued with hyaluronic acid mouthwash. Intraoral examination showed there were very painful multiple ulcerations, yellowishwhite areas, and erythema throughout the oral mucosa. He complained of pain upon swallowing, difficulty in speaking, mouth opening, eating, and drinking. All oral lesions healed approximately within 2 months and there was ankyloglossia but did not present microstomia. The extreme oral chemical burns caused by NaOH in a young adult is an uncommon condition. Proper management of chemical burns will accelerate the healing process, improve quality of life, and is life-saving. Safety precautions when using chemical substances are needed to avoid chemical burns.