Abstract
Lime sulfur, a strong alkali, is a pesticide used as an insecticide and fungicide for fruit trees. We experienced three cases of chemical burns caused by lime sulfur. In all cases, the lime sulfur adhered to the limbs during agricultural work, and skin necrosis with a milky white eschar developed within a few hours. It was difficult to remove and early surgical debridement was performed. It became a deep ulcer and required split-thickness skin grafting.
In chemical burns caused by lime sulfur, a peculiar milky white eschar is formed 2 to 3 hours after the injury, and it is difficult to determine the depth of invasion externally. Furthermore, when mechanical stimulus or friction is applied to sections of the lime sulfur adhesion, it tends to develop an ulcer that reaches deeper tissues. It is important to debride the milky white eschar as soon as possible as it can damage the tissue and deepen the ulcer for as long as it remains. In addition, it is important to educate users about the dangers of lime sulfur, and encourage protection, washing after injury, and early medical consultation. Medical staff should also raise awareness of this chemical burn.
