2025 Volume 51 Issue 1 Pages 21-25
We report a case of chemical injury to the fingertips caused by exposure to hydrofluoric acid in which necrosis of the nail bed was observed. The patient was treated with decontamination by nail clipping and continuous intra-arterial injection of calcium gluconate. The patient was a man in his 40s who sustained an injury while cleaning. The tip of the finger of his rubber glove tore, and a detergent containing hydrogen fluoride came into contact with his hand. He was admitted to the emergency department, where he was given additional washing, topical application of calcium gluconate gel, and local injection of calcium gluconate, which relieved his pain. After admission, the patient experienced a relapse of pain and became agitated. We started an intra-arterial injection of calcium gluconate via an arterial line and removed the nail. The nail bed was found to have necrotic tissue. After the procedure, the patient experienced pain relief and was discharged home on the third day of hospitalization. Chemical damage to the fingertips caused by hydrofluoric acid is often difficult to manage. Evaluating the nail bed by means of an intra-arterial injection or nail removal is effective.
