Household bleach is a solution of sodium hypochlorite, a common chemical used for cleaning and disinfecting. The immediate burning sensation felt upon skin contact is a common sign of irritation, but it is not a normal or safe part of using the product. A burning sensation indicates that the chemical is reacting with your body tissue, which means the product is causing damage. This reaction is a warning sign that requires immediate action to prevent a more serious chemical burn.
Why Bleach Causes a Burning Sensation
Household bleach is a highly alkaline substance, typically having a pH that ranges between 11 and 13, which makes it corrosive to organic tissue. This high alkalinity is the primary cause of the immediate burning sensation and irritation upon contact with skin or eyes. The corrosive action of bleach is chemically distinct from acid burns because alkaline substances cause a process called liquefactive necrosis. This process allows the chemical to penetrate deeper into the tissue over time, which can lead to more significant damage than initially appears.
Sodium hypochlorite acts as an oxidizing agent that actively breaks down the proteins and fatty tissues in the skin’s outer layers. This chemical process, which also includes saponification of skin oils, is what causes the slippery, burning feeling and the breakdown of cellular structure. Standard household bleaches usually contain between 3% and 8% sodium hypochlorite. Even at these diluted concentrations, the high pH is sufficient to cause irritation and chemical burns, especially with prolonged exposure.
Immediate Steps After Skin or Eye Contact
The most important factor in minimizing damage after bleach exposure is time, requiring immediate and prolonged rinsing with water. If bleach spills onto the skin, quickly remove any clothing or jewelry that came into contact with the chemical to prevent further exposure. You must then flush the affected area with a continuous stream of cool, running water for a minimum of 10 to 20 minutes. This lengthy rinsing period is necessary to fully dilute and wash away the corrosive chemical and help return the skin to a normal pH level.
If bleach splashes into the eyes, you must begin flushing them with clean, lukewarm tap water immediately. Hold the eyelid open and allow a gentle stream of water to flow over the eye for at least 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring the water does not flow into the unaffected eye. If you wear contact lenses, remove them after the first few minutes of rinsing. Following this initial rinse, you must seek professional medical attention right away, as chemical exposure to the eye can cause irreversible damage.
Recognizing the Signs of a Chemical Burn
A minor irritation from brief contact with diluted bleach may result in transient redness and a mild, temporary sting that fades quickly after rinsing. A more serious chemical burn, however, is indicated by symptoms that persist or worsen even after the area has been thoroughly flushed with water. Clear warning signs include pain that remains severe or increases, the development of blistering or scabs, and a change in the texture or color of the skin, which may appear white, yellow, or blackened. Since alkaline burns can cause deep tissue damage that may not be immediately visible, any burn larger than three inches, or one that affects the face, hands, feet, or joints, should be seen by a professional.
For eye exposure, any persistent pain, unrelenting redness, blurred or impaired vision, or extreme eyelid swelling requires immediate emergency medical care. Contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance after any significant exposure, even if symptoms seem mild. If the chemical burn appears deep, if symptoms of shock occur, or if the person has difficulty breathing after inhaling fumes, call emergency services immediately.