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Wednesday, August 20, 2025

What to do if someone suffers a chemical burn?


Chemical burns can be caused by acids, alkalis, solvents, or cleaning products. They may damage skin, eyes, or internal tissues and need immediate, careful first aid to reduce injury.

1. Ensure Your Own Safety

  • Do not touch the chemical directly.

  • Wear gloves if available.

  • Remove yourself and the casualty from the source of the chemical if safe.

  • Make sure the area is well ventilated.

2. Call Emergency Services Immediately (911/999/112) if:

  • The burn is large, deep, or on the face, eyes, hands, feet, or genitals.

  • The person has inhaled fumes or swallowed the chemical.

  • There is severe pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of shock (pale, clammy skin, rapid pulse).

3. Remove the Chemical

  • Brush off dry chemicals from skin and clothing before rinsing. Use a clean cloth, paper towel, or gloved hand.

  • Remove contaminated clothing/jewelry carefully while avoiding contact with unaffected skin.

4. Rinse the Area Thoroughly

  • Flush with cool running water immediately for at least 20 minutes (longer if pain continues).

  • Keep water flowing directly over the burn—do not scrub.

  • Ensure the runoff does not spread chemical to other body parts.

  • Do not use neutralizing agents (like vinegar for alkalis) — water is safest.

5. Special Situations

  • Eyes: Hold eyelids open and rinse the eye continuously with clean, cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Ensure water flows away from the other eye.

  • Mouth: If swallowed, rinse the mouth with water and spit out. Do not induce vomiting. Call emergency services and a poison control center immediately.

6. Protect the Burn

  • After rinsing, loosely cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing or clean cloth.

  • Do not apply ointments, creams, or household remedies.

7. While Waiting for Help

  • Keep the casualty warm with a blanket to prevent shock.

  • Reassure them and monitor breathing and responsiveness.

  • Be ready to start CPR if they become unresponsive and stop breathing.

8. Do Not

  • Do not delay rinsing while looking for neutralizers.

  • Do not pop blisters or peel skin.

  • Do not apply adhesive dressings or tight bandages.




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