Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Chemical Actions and Uses > Specialty Uses of Chemicals > Caustics Terms and Definitions

Caustics

Medical Definition:	Strong alkaline chemicals that destroy soft body tissues resulting in a deep, penetrating type of burn, in contrast to corrosives, that result in a more superficial type of damage via chemical means or inflammation. Caustics are usually hydroxides of light metals. SODIUM HYDROXIDE and potassium hydroxide are the most widely used caustic agents in industry. Medically, they have been used externally to remove diseased or dead tissues and destroy warts and small tumors. The accidental ingestion of products (household and industrial) containing caustic ingredients results in thousands of injuries per year.
Guide Notes:	usually but not always hydroxides of light metals; D25-26 qualif; caustic inj: coord CAUSTICS /adv eff + BURNS, CHEMICAL + organ /inj; see also note on ESOPHAGEAL STENOSIS
Also Called:	Corrosives

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