Clinical Features of White Phosphorus Burns

 

Features of white phosphorus:

(1) lipophilic

(2) spontaneous combustion occurs when exposed to oxygen (covered wounds may smoke when occlusive dressings are removed)

(3) fluoresces under ultraviolet light (which can help guide removal)

 

Features of cutaneous burns:

(1) Exposed skin appears yellow and waxy.

(2) The burns are painful.

(3) Burns tend to be deep and extensive.

 

Additional complications following exposure:

(1) inhalation injury

(2) hypocalcemia and other electrolyte disorders

(3) if not promptly removed it may become absorbed and cause multi-organ failure with death