Hydrofluoric acid burns. A report of a case and review of the literature.

Burns caused by exposure to hydrofluoric acid are occurring with ever-increasing frequency due to the wide use of this acid in industry and research. Such burns are characterized by severe progressive tissue destruction and excruciating pain resulting from the unique properties of the freely dissociable fluoride ion. The subungual tissues are especially susceptible to the destructive effects of hydrofluoric acid. The proper treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns requires prompt recognition and the institution of specific therapeutic measures by the attending physician.