Rare: Temporary blindness, kidney failure after silicon exposure

(Dan Tri) - After the rainwater washed away the layer of silicone that had not yet dried and poured directly on him, the man had an allergic reaction all over his body, blisters, skin necrosis, temporary blindness, liver failure, kidney failure...

Patient D.NT (38 years old, residing in Son La ) was admitted to the General Internal Medicine Department, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases with blisters all over his body, turning dark black, sore throat, mouth ulcers, temporary blindness, and red hot body.

Tests showed the patient had sepsis, inflammation index 3 times higher than normal, high liver enzymes, liver failure and kidney failure.

According to the investigation, Mr. T. worked as an ironworker. On July 29, while working on waterproofing a roof of a construction site, he had just finished applying a layer of silicone waterproofing when it suddenly started to rain heavily.

Mr. T. was standing right under the eaves where the rainwater from the roof poured down. In just a moment, all the rainwater and the silicon that had not yet dried poured straight down from the corrugated iron roof onto him. He was soaked all over.

The patient's injuries were very severe (Photo: Provided by the hospital).

About an hour later, he felt a slight burning sensation and red spots appeared on his neck and face. In the evening, after bathing and changing clothes, the red spots spread all over his body. The next morning, his vision was blurred and his skin was red all over.

The patient was taken to hospital and diagnosed with skin irritation. However, after 6 days of treatment, the condition did not improve.

The patient's lesions progressed severely with widespread blisters, dark skin discoloration, continuous fever, highest temperature 40 ^degrees Celsius, accompanied by body aches, conjunctivitis, and pain in many areas of the face.

He was transferred to the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases. Here, doctors determined that he was allergic to silicone, suffering from grade 2-3 anaphylactic shock.

“The patient responded poorly to the initial treatment, resulting in widespread allergic rash, persistent high fever, red and swollen throat, painful swallowing, and conjunctival congestion with yellow discharge,” said Dr. Tran Thi Hai Ninh, Head of Internal Medicine Department.

After 10 days of active treatment, the patient's health stabilized, vision recovered, blisters flattened and peeled off, new skin formed, and liver and kidney function improved significantly.

According to Dr. Hai Ninh, silicone is not only used in the construction industry, but also appears in many everyday items such as: anti-leak glue, glass repair, door gap filling, roof waterproofing; cake molds, lids, heat-resistant gloves; condoms and some medical supplies.

Construction workers, mechanics, interior designers, etc. are often exposed to silicone and have a higher risk of allergies if they do not use adequate protective gear.

“People with a history of silicone allergy should absolutely avoid contact with products containing this substance, especially products that come into direct contact with the skin.

“You should carefully read the ingredient list, prioritize choosing products labeled “silicone-free”, and test on a small area of ​​skin first. If there are any unusual signs, see a doctor immediately for timely diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Hai Ninh emphasized.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/hy-huu-mu-tam-thoi-suy-than-sau-khi-tiep-xuc-silicon-20250811105924378.htm