title: Skin decontamination: principles and perspectives.
abstract: Skin decontamination is the primary intervention needed in chemical, biological and radiological exposures, involving immediate removal of the contaminant from the skin performed in the most efficient way. The most readily available decontamination system on a practical basis is washing with soap and water or water only. Timely use of flushing with copious amounts of water may physically remove the contaminant. However, this traditional method may not be completely effective, and contaminants left on the skin after traditional washing procedures can have toxic consequences. This article focuses on the principles and practices of skin decontamination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Heidi P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Hongbo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhai
authors.forename: Xiaoying
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Hui
authors.forename: Howard I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Maibach
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D003872:Dermatitis; D003902:Detergents; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012869:Skin Absorption; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D003902:Detergents