How to Treat a Chemical Burn

Chemical burns can be sustained when an individual comes in contact with any substance that may cause a reaction with the skin. These substances can be anything from hot chili peppers to highly toxic chemicals.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Water

Treat a Chemical Burn

1. Rinse the chemical off the affected area immediately by applying a light stream of room temperature water over it. This will help flush any of the residual chemical from the skin and may prevent further injury.
2. Instruct the victim to flush the chemical off himself if he is able. If not, be sure to wear a pair of gloves to protect yourself while you flush the affected area with room temperature water.
3. Avoid using a hard spray of water, as this may cause damage to the burned skin.
4. Rinse for at least 20 minutes. Repeat for an additional 15 to 20 minutes if the area still experiences a burning sensation.
5. Remove any affected jewelry or clothing to avoid further contact with the chemical. These items should also be treated separately before they are worn again, removing any trace of the burning substance.

Treat a Chemical Burn Caused by Carbolic Acid or Phenol

6. Resist the urge to flush the burn with water, as this chemical does not mix with water.
7. Flush with rubbing alcohol to rinse away any traces of the acid.
8. Rinse with water.

Treat a Chemical Burn Caused by Sulfuric or Hydrofluoric Acid

9. Flush a sulfuric acid burn with a mild soapy solution if the burn is not severe.
10. Flush a burn caused by hydrofluoric acid with a bicarbonate of soda (household baking soda) solution. Create this solution by adding a large amount of baking soda to a small amount of water. Follow with a rinse of water.

Treat a Dry Powder Chemical Burn

11. Brush off any of the dry powder (such as dry lime). Water may mix with the chemical to create a burning liquid.
12. Flush with water for at least 20 minutes. Do this only after all of the powder has been brushed away.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact poison control immediately at [phone] if a chemical that may burn the throat or internal organs has been swallowed. Have the container of the substance at hand when you call, so that you may advise the operator of what has been swallowed.
• Never rinse an eye exposed to carbolic acid with alcohol. Use large amounts of water to flush the chemical out.
• Never rinse the eye with a bicarbonate of soda solution.

Who Can Help: