Skin burns due to wet cement

Abstract

4 cases of burn from prolonged contact with wet cement, one requiring skin grafting, have been between 1977 and 1980.

Skin burns due to transit‐mixed Portland cement

“…The name Portland cement derives from the resemblance of its concrete to stones quarried on the Isle of Portland, England. Severe burns after prolonged contact with wet ready-mixed cement have occasionally been reported in the literature (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). We report a further case due to transit-mixed Portland cement.…”

Skin ulceration due to cement.

“…It is known that ulceration and necrosis can follow contact with wet cement (Hannuksela et al, 1976;Vickers & Edwards, 1976;Rycroft, 1980;Buckley, 1982). Initial symptoms are few apart from a sensation of burning, however on examination of the skin there may be erythema, ulceration develops after 12 h. This lack of initial symptoms may lead to a delay in first aid measures.…”

“…The largest series so far published, also of seven patients, and was presented by Hannuksela et al (1976). In previously reported cases the ulcers healed leaving either hyperpigmented scars (Rycroft, 1980;Buckley, 1982) or depigmented areas (Vickers & Edwards, 1976). In others skin grafting was required (Rowe & Williams, 1963;Fisher, 1979;Buckley, 1982).…”

Cement burns

“…Our patient is interesting in that he was well aware of the dangers of working with wet cement and chose to work without proper protective equipment despite this knowledge. His attempts to repeatedly wash off the cement with water during his work may have only exacerbated his condition as it likely increased the production of calcium hydroxide (19). Clearly, the delay in the onset of symptoms of cement burns gave this patient the impression that he was not sustaining injury.…”