Intensive Care of Acute Poisoning - A. V. Hovenko 2010

General characteristics of acute poisonings
Toxicokinetics of percutaneous poisonings

Toxic substances penetrate the Skin via the following pathways: through the epidermis, Hair follicles, and the excretory ducts of the Sebaceous Glands.

The epidermis acts as a lipoprotein barrier capable of diffusing fat-soluble gases and organic substances (such as aromatic nitro and chlorinated Hydrocarbons, organometallic compounds, acids, alkalis, and other chemical agents). Their quantity is proportional to the lipid-Water partition coefficient. This constitutes The first phase of toxin penetration into The Human Body. The second phase involves The transport of these compounds from the dermis into the bloodstream. When the PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF a poison coincide with high toxicity, the likelihood of severe percutaneous poisoning increases significantly. Severe poisoning is caused by aromatic nitro and chlorinated hydrocarbons, as well as organometallic compounds.

Salts of many metals, particularly mercury and thallium, combine with Fatty acids and skin sebum to form fat-soluble compounds capable of penetrating the barrier layer of the epidermis.

Mechanical skin injuries, as well as thermal and chemical Burns, accelerate the penetration of toxic compounds into the victim's body.

The amount of substance absorbed through the skin depends on:

- the surface area of absorption;

- the site of absorption (the lower abdominal skin, inner thighs, groin area, genitals, axillary region, and forearms are more permeable to poisons);

- the duration of skin exposure to the poison;

- the age of the victim (in children, The ratio of body surface area to body weight is higher, which causes transdermal absorption of poisons to occur faster and in greater quantities than in adults).