A case of hydrofluoric acid burn in dental technician

Exposure of the skin to hydrofluoric acid(HF), one of the strongest inorganic acids, may progressively cause severe tissue necrosis and pain. At present hydrofluoric acid is used widely in rust remover, in the semiconductor industry, germicides, dyes, plastics, and glass etching. HF burn constitutes a dermatologic emergency. Special treatment is required to prevent topical, systemic, and even lethal toxic effects. A 34 year-old dental technician came in contact with the 55% aqueous HF through a pin hole in the right thumb tip of his protective glove. About 30 minutes after exposure, he noted severe burning, excruciating pain, swelling, and erythema of the right thumb tip. Thereafter, dark brownish edematous necrotic patch was visible on the distal end of the right thumb. He was treated with oral antibiotics and NSAIDs.