[Hydrofluoric acid injuries: pathogenesis and treatment].

On the basis of two case histories, the most recent literature concerning hydrofluoric acid injuries is reviewed with particular attention to the pathogenesis and the therapeutic possibilities. It is concluded that washing with water is the primary and most important treatment. Depending upon the extent of the injury, surface treatment with 2.5% calcium gluconate solution or gel may then be employed and/or infiltration treatment with a 5-10% calcium solution. Possibly combined with local analgesia and hyaluronic acid. Intravenous or intra-arterial infusion of calcium compounds and surgical excision may be considered as specialist treatment.