Temporary blindness, burns all over body due to leak-proof silicone

Just after finishing the waterproofing silicone layer, it started to rain heavily. Mr. T. was standing under the porch, rainwater mixed with silicone poured straight down on him.

Patient hospitalized with burns all over body after being exposed to rainwater mixed with silicone to prevent house leaks - Photo: BVCC

The Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases has just admitted Mr. D.NT (38 years old, residing in Son La ) in a condition where his skin was blistered all over his body, turned dark black, his eyes were temporarily blind, and his whole body was burned after being exposed to rainwater mixed with silicone to prevent house leaks.

According to his family, Mr. T. was an iron worker. While he was repairing a leaky roof of a building, he had just finished applying a layer of silicone to prevent leaks when it suddenly started to rain heavily. Mr. T. was standing right under the porch, and rainwater poured down from the roof.

In just a moment, all the rainwater and silicone that had not yet dried poured straight from the corrugated iron roof onto him. He was soaked all over.

About an hour later, he felt a slight burning sensation and red spots appeared on his neck and face. In the evening, after showering and changing clothes, the red spots spread all over his body. The next morning, his vision was blurred and his skin was red all over. He was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with skin irritation.

After six days of treatment, he still did not improve, the injury progressed severely with widespread blisters, dark skin, continuous fever, highest temperature 40 ^degrees Celsius, accompanied by body aches, conjunctivitis, and pain in many areas of the face. He was transferred to the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

Here, the doctor determined that he was allergic to silicone, grade 2-3 anaphylactic shock.

"The patient responded poorly to initial treatment, resulting in widespread allergic rash, persistent high fever, red and swollen throat, painful swallowing, conjunctival congestion with yellow discharge. Tests showed sepsis, inflammation index increased 3 times higher than normal, high liver enzymes, liver failure and kidney failure," informed Dr. Tran Thi Hai Ninh, head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

After 10 days of active treatment, the patient's health stabilized, vision recovered, blisters subsided and peeled off, new skin formed, and liver and kidney function improved significantly.

According to Dr. Ninh, silicone is not only used in the construction industry, but also appears in many everyday items such as anti-leak glue, glass repair, door gap filling, roof waterproofing; cake molds, lids, heat-resistant gloves; condoms and some medical supplies.

Construction workers, mechanics, interior designers, etc. are often exposed to silicone and have a higher risk of allergies if they do not use adequate protective gear.

"People with a history of silicone allergy should absolutely avoid contact with products containing this substance, especially products that come into direct contact with the skin.

"You need to read the ingredient list carefully, prioritize choosing products labeled "silicone-free", and test on a small area of skin first. If there are any unusual signs, see a doctor immediately for timely diagnosis and treatment," Dr. Ninh emphasized.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bi-mu-tam-thoi-bong-rat-toan-than-vi-silicon-chong-dot-20250811140653811.htm