Admission to a burn service or ICU may be required if burns are extensive or if any clinical, laboratory, or electrocardiographic evidence of complications is present. Patients with serious exposures can be discharged once electrolytes return to normal, arrhythmias are absent, and ECG is normal, provided other complications are managed adequately. Patients with finger burns can be discharged with calcium gluconate gel on the affected digits. Instruct patients to keep affected digits in a latex glove for 24 hours. Prudence requires physicians to provide follow-up care with all patients after 24 hours, at least by telephone.
Patient education is important to prevent recurrences.
Prognosis varies depending on burn severity and site. Poor prognosis follows fluoride inhalation. Several features of HF acid burns may lead to delayed or missed diagnosis. Significant delays may occur between exposure and onset of symptoms. Marked pain in the absence of significant surface dermal injury should raise suspicion of HF acid burns.