Ethylene Oxide Burns

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Abstract
Nineteen hospitalized women postoperatively suffered from severe burns of the buttocks and back from contact with reusable surgical gowns and drapes that had been sterilized with ethylene oxide and had not been properly aerated.Initially, an "epidemic" of bullous impetigo was suspected. Severe irritant reactions to detergents and antiseptics were also considered. The burnt skin resembled a localized form of Lyell disease.This report is to alert dermatologists so that prompt action may be taken to prevent widespread outbreaks of ethylene oxide burns.

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