How to Treat an Acid Burn

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By Joan Russell
eHow Contributing Writer

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Chemicals like battery acid, toilet bowel cleaners, paint remover and some beauty products can burn the skin. Most acid burns occur on the face, arms and legs. The skin often peels off and stings. You can treat most minor acid burns at home. The burn will heal in a week or longer. Severe burns should be treated by a doctor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Cool tap water
Triple antibiotic ointment
Sterile gauze
First aid tape

How to Treat An Acid Burn

Step 1

Remove the chemical from the skin. Brush it off if it's dry or a powder. Flush the skin with water if the burn is a liquid acid. Take off contaminated clothing and jewelry before treating the burn.
Step 2

Run the area burned under a gentle spray or stream of cool water from the faucet or shower for about 30 minutes.
Step 3

Apply towels soaked with cool water to the burn area after rinsing the burn. This will help the pain to subside. Keep the towels on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4

Apply triple antibiotic cream to the affected area. This will kill germs and keep the burn from becoming infected.
Step 5

Cover the burn loosely with white sterile gauze held by first aid tape. Change the gauze once daily until healed.

Tips & Warnings

Never use ice or ointments on a burn.
Don't break blisters.
Watch for signs of infection on the burned area, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If you develop an infection develops, see your doctor immediately.