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Eschar

Definition

Eschar is dead tissue that forms over healthy skin and then, over time, falls off (sheds). It is caused by a burn or cauterization (destroying tissue with heat or cold, or another method).

An escharotic is a substance (such as acids, alkalis, carbon dioxide, or metallic salts) that causes the tissue to die and fall off.

Alternative Names

Escharotic

References

Chung KK, Friedman BC. Critical care of the severely burned. In: Parrillo JE, Dellinger RP, eds. Critical Care Medicine: Principles of Diagnosis and Management in the Adult. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 64.

Foncerrada G, Capek KD, Finnerty CC, Lee JO, Herndon DN. Burn wound management. In: Cameron AM, Cameron JL, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:1290-1295.

Taber's Online Medical Dictionary. Eschar. www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/752803/0/eschar?q=Eschar. Accessed May 22, 2023.

Wolf SE. Burns. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 20.

Review Date: 4/25/2023
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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