Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology

Ocular chemical burns following accidental instillation of tinea pedis treatment solution: A report of two cases: Jung Ho Kim, Han Sol Chung; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2022;20(1):35-38. Published online June 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2022.20.1.35

Abstract PDF: Many commonly used household chemicals and medical eye drops look alike, resulting in a worldwide increase in incidences of accidents caused by confusion between similar-looking agents. In this case report, we present two patients who visited the emergency department following inadvertent instillation of tinea pedis treatment solution instead of eye drops. Both patients developed corneal chemical burns following the accidental application. Notably, the visual acuity and symptoms eventually recovered for both patients after hospitalization. However, complete recovery occurred only after several weeks. Both patients were relatively old and had been prescribed eye drops after previous ophthalmic surgery. Since the eye is a sensory organ that receives visual information, ocular injuries significantly affect the quality of life and social functioning of the patient. Incidences of accidental misidentification of eye drops are steadily increasing in South Korea; unfortunately, regulatory policies are unavailable to avoid such hazards. Therefore, physicians should be mindful of the potential risks associated with misidentification of everyday household products and must spend time educating patients when prescribing eye drops. Policy regulations are warranted for products with containers that resemble eye drop bottles. Such items need to be clearly labeled with additional warnings to prevent misidentification and accidental ocular instillation.

A Clinical Analysis of Patient Exposure to Sulfuric Acid Injured: Se Kwang Oh, Hee Jun Shin, Byeong Dai Yoo, Duck Ho Jun, Dong Ha Lee, Ki Hwan Kim; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2016;14(1):33-36. Published online June 30, 2016

Abstract PDF: Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the characteristics associated with sulfuric acid injury in the emergency department. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from January 2007 to December 2015 on all sulfuric acid injuries presenting to the emergency department in Gu-mi Soonchunhyung University Hospital. Patients injured by sulfuric acid were recorded over a nine year study period and collected data included demographics, injury mechanism, injured body part, hospital care and final diagnosis. Results: A total of 26 cases were identified. Most patients were male (88.5%) and the face was the most commonly injured body part. The most common mechanism of injury was splashing injury. A total of 16 (61.5%) patients were identified as having lesions worse than second degree burns. Conclusion: Sulfuric acid can cause severe and fatal skin burn. When working with sulfuric acid, acid proof protect clothing, goggles and glove should be worn. Furthermore, safety education and workplace environment improvement are necessary to reduce sulfuric acid injury.

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