[Freon gas frostbite: an unusual burn evolving in two stages].

Abstract

Freon gas is a halogenated derivative widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning. It is maintained at a temperature below -41°C and its contact with skin may cause very serious burns. This is usually an accident at work and the burns affect the hands of patients first. Unfortunately, early clinical presentation is often reassuring and does not reflect the actual depth of the injury. Few cases of this injury are reported and no treatment protocol is established at this time. We present two cases of frostbite by freon gas, initially evaluated at a stage of superficial burns and evolved spontaneously in a few days to full thickness burns necessitating surgical treatment by excision and skin grafting. This evolution in two phases has never been described and could help to better understand the pathophysiology of this frostbite and the possibilities of management.

• Authors: B Chaput, H Eburdery, M Courtade-Saïdi, G De Bonnecaze, J-L Grolleau, I Garrido
• Journal: Chirurgie de la main (Chir Main) Vol. 31 Issue 3 Pg. 166-9 (Jun 2012) ISSN: 1769-6666 [Electronic] France
• Vernacular Title: Gelure au gaz fréon : une brulure atypique évoluant en deux temps.
• PMID: 22658586 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Chlorofluorocarbons, Methane

Topics

• Adult
• Chlorofluorocarbons, Methane (adverse effects)
• Finger Injuries (etiology, surgery)
• Frostbite (chemically induced, surgery)
• Humans
• Injury Severity Score
• Male
• Young Adult