Patient D.N.T (38 years old, residing in Son La) was admitted to the hospital with a condition of whole body skin developing water, many areas turning dark black, mouth ulcers, sore throat pain, temporary blindness, high fever and red hot body. Test results showed that the patient had a sepsis, a inflammatory index of three times normal, high liver enzymes, accompanied by liver failure and kidney failure.
Mr. T is an iron worker. While constructing the leakproof corrugated iron roof, just as the leakproof silicone layer had finished, it suddenly rained heavily. He stood under the porch - where the rainwater from the corrugated iron roof was pouring down - and was immediately hit by a mixture of rainwater and undried silicone.
About an hour later, he felt slight burns and red spots appeared on his neck and face. In the evening, after bathing and changing clothes, red spots spread quickly throughout the body. The next morning, his eyes gradually faded and his skin became red all over, so he was taken to the clinic and diagnosed with skin irritation.
Many days of treatment did not improve, the lesion progressed severely with widespread blisters, dark skin, high fever, conjunctivitis and severe pain in the face. The patient was transferred to the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
Here, Dr. Tran Thi Hai Ninh - Head of the General Internal Medicine Department - said that the patient had a silicon allergy and grade 2 - 3 anaphylactic shock. The patient responded poorly to initial treatment, had a widespread allergic reaction, a continuous high fever, a red throat, painful swallowing, Congenital blister and yellow fluid, she said.
After 10 days of active treatment, the patient's health gradually stabilized, his vision recovered, the blisters closed and peeled off, new skin was formed, liver and kidney function improved significantly.
According to Dr. Hai Ninh, silicone is not only used in construction (old glue, glass glue, open-arance grille, corrugated iron roof insulation) but also appears in many household items such as cake molds, knots, heat-resistant gloves, rubber bags and some medical supplies. People working in the construction, mechanical, interior installation industries... are often exposed to silicon, with a high risk of allergies if they do not have adequate protective gear.
People who have a history of silicone allergy should absolutely avoid contact with products containing this substance, especially products that come into direct contact with the skin. Read the ingredient list carefully, prioritize the product labelled as silicone-free and try it on a small area of skin first. If you experience any unusual signs, you should go to a medical facility immediately for timely diagnosis and treatment" - Dr. Hai Ninh recommends.
