Chemical burns occur when skin or other tissues come into contact with corrosive substances, leading to tissue damage. The severity depends on the chemical type, concentration, contact duration, and affected area. Essential first aid minimizes damage and improves outcomes. While minor burns might benefit from topical treatments, seeking professional medical attention for any significant chemical burn is always a priority.
Immediate Response to Chemical Burns
Immediately remove the chemical from the affected area. Flush the burn with plenty of cool, running water for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This continuous flow dilutes the chemical and washes it away, reducing further damage. Remove any contaminated clothing, jewelry, or accessories, as these can trap the chemical against the skin, prolonging exposure.
For eye burns, irrigate thoroughly and continuously with water or saline solution for at least 20 minutes, holding eyelids open. This sustained irrigation helps prevent permanent vision damage. Protect unaffected skin and eyes from splashes during rinsing. Do not attempt to neutralize the chemical with another substance, as this can generate heat and worsen the injury.
Determining When Professional Medical Care is Necessary
Professional medical care is often needed for chemical burns, as many cause significant tissue destruction. Seek immediate medical evaluation if the burn is larger than three inches or affects the face, eyes, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints. Deep burns, causing blistering or charring, also require urgent professional assessment. Any chemical burn resulting in difficulty breathing, confusion, or signs of shock (like faintness or pale skin) indicates a severe reaction needing emergency attention.
Medical consultation is also needed for chemical burns in children, older adults, or individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or compromised immune systems. Even if a burn appears minor, seek medical advice if pain persists, worsens, or if there are signs of infection. These signs include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever. Early medical intervention can prevent complications and guide long-term care.
Choosing Appropriate Topical Treatments
For minor chemical burns, after thorough flushing and when professional medical care is not required, certain topical treatments can aid healing. Antibiotic ointments, such as bacitracin or polymyxin B, help prevent bacterial infections. Apply a thin layer to create a protective barrier while allowing the wound to breathe. These over-the-counter options are suitable for superficial burns without open blisters.
Moisturizing agents like petroleum jelly or Aquaphor provide a protective layer over healing skin, preventing dryness and promoting a moist environment. Aloe vera gel may offer some discomfort relief for very superficial burns, though its direct healing properties are not extensively proven. These agents primarily reduce pain and keep the area hydrated. Topical pain relievers with lidocaine might offer temporary numbing, but use should be limited, as they can irritate damaged skin or mask worsening symptoms.
Avoid certain substances on chemical burns, as they can worsen the injury or introduce infection. Products like butter, ice, or unproven home remedies can trap heat, cause frostbite, or introduce bacteria. Do not apply strong antiseptics like iodine or hydrogen peroxide, as these can further damage delicate healing tissue.
Proper Application and Ongoing Care
Before applying any topical treatment, gently clean the burn area with mild soap and cool water, then pat dry with a clean, soft cloth. This cleaning removes contaminants and prepares the skin for treatment. Apply a thin, even layer of the chosen ointment or cream, covering the entire affected area without caking on too much product. Excessive application can hinder air circulation and slow healing.
Apply treatment one to three times daily, depending on the product and wound condition. After applying ointment, cover the burn with a non-stick sterile dressing, such as a gauze pad, to protect it from irritation and infection. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty, inspecting the wound for changes.
Monitor the burn for signs of healing or complications. Normal healing involves gradual reduction of redness and swelling, followed by new skin formation. Watch for signs of infection, including increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, pus, or a foul odor. Fever or chills warrant immediate medical re-evaluation, as these indicate a serious systemic infection.