Wood ash: an unusual cause of a chemical burn

Erythroderma in an infant from a traditional alternative remedy

“…Cutaneous burns from wood ash in adults are reported a few minutes to 12 h after exposure, and course with third-degree burns requiring surgical management. [7][8][9][10][11] In a report of chemical burns from wood ash in a 2-year-old child, the reaction was immediate, as in our case. 5 The preexisting atopic dermatitis in our patient may have accelerated the irritative response, leading to severe, extensive irritation and erythroderma.…”

Wood ash and water: Cause of superficial alkaline burns in a toddler

“…hazardous to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. 1,2,4 In our case, the child benefited from thorough washing of the skin followed by wound care with topical hydrocortisone and antibiotic ointments.…”

“…In the presence of moisture, ashes from a wood fire can have a pH up to 12 as potassium hydroxide and potassium carbonate residues are solubilized. 1,2 Literature reports describe full-thickness dermal burns due to prolonged contact with wet wood or coal ash, [1][2][3][4] but superficial burns from brief, unintentional contact have not been documented. We report skin exposure to wood ash mixed with water that rapidly produced significant ulcerative irritant dermatitis in a toddler.…”

“…The poultices were left in place for as little as 15 minutes and up to 12 hours. 1,3,4 Another patient applied wood ash and oil to his hands and face for a traditional Austrian festival, resulting in superficial ulcerations to the face and full-thickness burns to his hands. 4 The last case, an unintentional exposure, described a patient who was distributing wet ashes by hand as garden fertilizer.…”

“…2 All scenarios resulted in full-thickness burns and necrosis, which required surgical debridement and skin grafting. [1][2][3][4][5] While chemical exposures causing contact dermatitis are relatively frequent, those from wood ash are distinctly uncommon and the source of the injury may not be readily recognized. This case should alert dermatologists, primary care providers, and emergency department personnel to the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative irritant dermatitis resulting from wetted wood ash.…”