Vitriolage acid atack

Describe acid attack

1. Vitriolage Dr. Radhakrishna G Pillai Department of Life Sciences University of Calicut

2. Acid throwing , also called an  acid attack  or  vitriolage A form of violent, criminal assault, defined as the premeditated act of throwing acid Sulfuric acid (oil of vitriol), h ydrochloric acid, nitric acid , hydrofluoric acid  or other similar, dangerous, corrosive chemical substances, onto the body of another human being, W ith the intention to disfigure or kill   Perpetrators of these attacks throw acid at their victims, usually at their faces burning them, melting and damaging skin tissues often exposing and sometimes dissolving even the bones.  

3. Acid burn -characteristics Severe burning characterised by discoloration or staining of the skin, Brown or black in case of sulphuric acid Yellow in case of nitric acid Absence of vesication , red line of demarcation Corneal destruction or blindness

4. vitriolage The long term consequences may include; blindness permanent scarring of the face and body along with far-reaching social, psychological, and economic difficulties The medical effects of acid and alkali attacks are so extensive, chemical injuries cause a type of tissue devastation, which is unparalleled by any other form of injury or trauma. MELTS and destroys all tissue and even their blood vessels any attempts at surgical (plastic & reconstructive surgery) reconstruction are almost completely thwarted Once acid has damaged the skin, a person will NEVER look normal ever again Plastic surgery can attempt to repair minimally, but can NEVER ever reverse this damage

5. vitriolage m ajority of acid attacks are aimed at the face acid attack victims also face the possibility of septicemia, renal failure and death acid destroys the tear glands too, so the victim will NEVER be able to cry even at their fate   most cases, the victims are women People working in factories that make or use Sulphuric acid Use acid for work – gold industry, automobile batteries, paper bleaching

6. Treatment Immediate washing with water and soap Wash with a dilute solution of sodium or potassium bicarbonate Apply thick paste or magnesium oxide or carbonate Apply antibiotic –superficial & oral – reduce chance of infection Skin grafting may be needed Eyes –wash with water- 1% solution of sodium bicarbonate Use olive oil drops Eye drops containing antibiotics