Serror et al reported a classification of burns associated with electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vaping device). This is based on the mechanism of the injury. The authors are from Hopital Saint Louis in Paris.
Patient selection: associated with e-cigarette
Type
Mechanism
Features
A (most common)
thermal, with flames
burn deeper at center of the burn
B
blast
foreign body deposition
C
chemical, alkali burn
high pH
D (rare)
thermal, without flames
Type
Example
Management
A
self-combustion, often in hand
B
explosion while in pocket
need to excise metallic fragments which can be found on imaging studies
C
leakage of electrolyte solution
use mineral oil to avoid exothermic reaction
D
heater overheated
Some cases may require surgical debridement of devitalized tissues.
In theory two or more types could be present.
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