Essential First Aid and Prevention Tips for Chemical Burns

A chemical burn can occur within a second and is usually caused by substances that look non-threatening. In the United States, approximately 29,165 hospital admissions occur each year due to burn injuries, and this figure includes serious cases involving chemical burns. 

Chemical burns happen when skin or eyes come into contact with harmful substances, leading to symptoms like redness, blistering, and pain. The severity of these burns can vary depending on the type of chemical involved and the duration of exposure.

In many cases, immediate first aid can significantly reduce the severity of the burn and prevent complications. Knowing the correct steps to take when faced with a chemical burn can make a vital difference in outcomes.

Preventing chemical burns is just as important as knowing how to treat them. Simple safety measures, such as wearing protective gear and understanding how to handle chemicals safely, can help avoid these painful injuries altogether.

This article will provide some of the basic and effective first aid measures for chemical burns available, some effective prevention measures as well as important information that will protect both you and your family from whatever serious injuries.

What are Chemical Burns?

A chemical burn on skin occurs when a harsh or corrosive substance damages your body’s tissue. These burns can affect your skin, eyes, or even the inside of your body. 

Most often, chemical burns happen accidentally, such as when you spill a chemical on yourself. However, it’s also possible to sustain burns by swallowing chemicals or being exposed to them through other means.

The severity of chemical burns can vary significantly, ranging from mild to severe. Mild chemical burns typically heal quickly, while severe burns can lead to permanent tissue damage, scarring, or even be life-threatening. It’s essential to seek immediate medical treatment for any chemical burn.

Chemical burns happens to mostly workers who are involved in the field such as:

• Construction workers
• Factory workers
• Farmers
• Laboratory technicians
• Mechanics
• Military personnel
• Plumbers

It’s important to remember that children, especially toddlers, are at a high risk of getting burns from household chemicals. They can accidentally touch or swallow things like detergents, bleach, or cleaning products.

Unfortunately, over a 17-year period, around 40,000 children, which is about 2,300 kids each year, went to the emergency room because of chemical burns from cleaning products. In addition, between 2005 and 2014, about 3% of all adults who were admitted to burn centers in the U.S. had chemical burns.

Types of Chemical Burns

Chemical burns can be alarming, but knowing the different types can help you respond quickly and effectively. Let’s take a closer look at the various types of chemical burns to better understand how they happen and what makes each one unique.

1. Acid Burns

Acid burns happen when strong acids, like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, come into contact with the skin. These burns cause a reaction that leads to “coagulative necrosis,” where the affected area hardens and turns black or dark. 

Acid burns can be very painful and often result in scarring if not treated quickly. Common sources of acid burns include battery acid, cleaning products, and some industrial chemicals. 

Immediate first aid is important to prevent the burn from worsening.

2. Alkali Burns

Alkaline substances can be more dangerous than acids because they penetrate deeper into the skin, causing more extensive tissue damage. 

Unlike acids, which create a protective layer by hardening tissue, alkalis break down cell structures, leading to ongoing damage even after initial contact. This can result in more severe burns, often without immediate pain, which delays treatment. 

A surprising fact is that alkali burns from common products like drain cleaners can continue damaging tissue long after the chemical is washed off.

3. Organic Solvent Burns

Organic solvent burns occur when the skin comes into contact with chemicals like acetone, ethanol, or toluene. These solvents can irritate the skin, causing redness, dryness, and sometimes blistering. 

If exposure is prolonged or widespread, it can lead to more severe damage or even affect the nervous system.

For example, nail polish removers often contain acetone, and spilling it on the skin without washing it off quickly can cause an uncomfortable burn or irritation.

4. Oxidizing Agent Burns

Chemicals like chlorine or hydrogen peroxide can cause serious burns because they react strongly with organic materials, including the skin. 

These chemicals, called oxidizing agents, can not only cause chemical burns but may also generate heat, leading to thermal burns. The combination of these effects can result in significant tissue damage.

Common household items, like bleach or disinfectants, often contain oxidizing agents.

5. Corrosive Burns

Chemicals that promote combustion or react strongly with organic materials, like chlorine or hydrogen peroxide, can cause severe burns. 

These burns can result from both the chemical reaction and the heat generated, making them especially harmful. The skin can be damaged deeply, leading to significant pain and potential scarring. 

Common sources of these burns include disinfectants, bleach, and various industrial chemicals.

6. Irritant Burns

Substances that cause skin irritation without severely damaging tissue are common in everyday products like soaps, detergents, and some cosmetics. 

While these chemicals don’t typically burn deeply, they can still cause uncomfortable symptoms such as redness, itching, and mild swelling. 

These types of burns are generally not severe and tend to heal on their own, but repeated exposure or sensitive skin can lead to more irritation.

Symptoms and Signs of Chemical Burns

The symptoms of chemical burns can vary based on how and where the burn occurred. For instance, swallowing a harmful chemical will cause different symptoms than if the chemical touches your skin. A few factors that affect the symptoms include:

• How long the chemical was in contact with your skin,
• Whether you inhaled or swallowed the chemical,
• If your skin had cuts or was intact,
• The location of the contact,
• The strength and amount of the chemical,
• And whether the chemical was a gas, liquid, or solid.

For example, swallowing an alkaline chemical may burn the inside of your stomach, which causes different symptoms than a chemical burn on your skin.

Common symptoms of chemical burns include:

• Blackened or dead skin, usually from acid burns,
• Redness, irritation, or burning in the affected area,
• Numbness or pain where the burn occurred,
• Vision loss or changes if the chemical got into your eyes.

These symptoms may vary based on the specific chemical and how it was encountered.

Before we discuss the first aid and prevention tips for chemical burn, we should know how health providers diagnose the burn.

How are Chemical Burns Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider can often diagnose a chemical burn by looking at the size, depth, and other details of the burn on your skin. For burns in your eyes, or if you’ve swallowed a chemical, they might use additional tests to help diagnose the injury and understand its severity.

1. Clinical Evaluation

The first step in diagnosing chemical burns is a clinical evaluation, where a healthcare provider gathers information about the injury. They will ask questions about how the burn occurred, such as what chemical caused it, how long the skin was exposed, and what symptoms the patient is experiencing, like pain or blistering. 

For example, if someone accidentally spills a household cleaner containing bleach on their arm, the doctor will want to know the type of cleaner, the duration of contact, and whether the person washed the area with water afterward. 

This information helps the provider understand the severity of the burn and decide on the best treatment approach.

2. Blood Tests

Blood tests are an essential part of diagnosing chemical burns, as they help determine the overall health of the patient and identify any complications caused by the chemical exposure. 

For instance, a complete blood count (CBC) can reveal signs of infection or inflammation, while liver and kidney function tests assess how well these organs are coping with the toxic effects of the chemicals. 

In fact, a study found that up to 20% of patients with severe chemical burns experience kidney complications, highlighting the need for thorough testing

Therefore, quick and accurate blood tests can guide treatment decisions which ensures the best outcomes for patients.

3. Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure used to check for damage in the digestive tract or airways after a chemical burn. 

If someone has swallowed or inhaled a harmful chemical, doctors may use an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera, to look inside the throat, esophagus, stomach, or lungs. This helps them see any burns or injuries caused by the chemical. 

The doctor inserts the endoscope through the mouth or nose, allowing them to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best treatment. It’s a crucial step for serious chemical exposure cases.

4. Eye Exam

If a chemical burn affects the eyes, a thorough eye exam is essential for assessing the injury’s extent. 

Eye specialists may use a special dye called fluorescein during the exam. This dye helps identify any scratches or damage to the cornea, the eye’s clear front surface, which might not be visible otherwise. Interestingly, some household products like dishwashing liquid or certain shampoos can cause serious eye irritation if splashed in, leading to burns. 

Prompt examination and treatment are crucial, as untreated chemical burns can lead to permanent vision loss.

5. Imaging

Imaging studies, like X-rays or CT scans, help doctors look for deeper injuries from chemical burns. These tests are especially important if someone has inhaled harmful fumes or has extensive burns. 

For example, a chest X-ray can show if there’s damage to the lungs, while a CT scan provides detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. 

Using imaging can help doctors better understand the extent of the injury, check for any complications, and determine the best treatment plan. This helps ensure the patient receives the care they need to heal properly.

First Aid Treatment for Chemical Burns

Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and when it comes to chemical burns, knowing how to react quickly and effectively can make all the difference. Let’s get into the essential first aid treatments that can help you respond with confidence and care:

1. Ensure Safety

When dealing with a chemical burn, the first step is ensuring safety. You need to quickly remove the person from the source of the chemical to prevent further exposure. 

For instance, if someone accidentally spills a strong acid on their skin while cleaning, you should guide them away from the cleaning area immediately. This action stops the burn from worsening and protects them from additional harm. 

Always remember that safety comes first; ensuring the area is clear of any hazardous materials helps create a safer environment for both you and the affected person.

2. Identify the Chemical

When you experience a chemical burn, one of the first things to do is identify the chemical involved. Look for any labels or packaging that can help you figure out what substance caused the burn. Knowing what type of chemical it is can really help you decide on the right treatment. 

For example, some chemicals require different rinsing techniques or additional care. If you can’t find the label, try to remember where you were and what you were using when the burn happened. This information can be very helpful when you talk to medical professionals later on. 

Always remember, the more details you have about the chemical, the better prepared you will be to handle the situation.

3. Initial Actions

When a chemical burn happens, your first step is to act quickly. Start by removing any clothing or jewelry that came into contact with the chemical. This helps prevent the substance from spreading to other areas of your skin. 

Next, rinse the affected area with lukewarm running water. Let the water flow gently over the burn for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it flushes out the chemical and reduces damage to your skin. 

Just remember not to scrub or use ice, as that could make the injury worse. The goal here is to keep it simple and effective to ensure your comfort and safety.

4. Specific Treatments Based on the Chemical

Identifying the type of chemical involved in a burn helps determine the right treatment. If it’s an acid, rinsing the affected area with water for at least 10 to 20 minutes is crucial. Avoid using substances like baking soda for neutralization, as this might worsen the situation.

If you’re dealing with an alkali, rinsing with water is even more important because these substances can cause deeper damage. It’s best to keep the water running continuously, ensuring the chemical is flushed out completely. Resist the urge to apply vinegar or other acidic solutions, as this can lead to a harmful reaction.

For chemicals like bleach or solvents, rinsing thoroughly is the way to go. After rinsing, if you notice any lingering symptoms or if the burn appears severe, seeking medical attention becomes essential. Taking these steps can make a significant difference in recovery, so staying calm and focused is key.

5. Comfort Measures

Comfort measures are important after a chemical burn, especially for managing pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease discomfort. 

Just be sure to follow the recommended dosages on the packaging or ask a healthcare professional if you’re unsure. Keeping the affected area clean and dry also aids in the healing process. 

If the pain persists or gets worse, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor for further advice.

Emergency Medical Care for Chemical Burns

If someone has a chemical burn, it’s important to get emergency help right away. Always call 911 if you’re unsure about how serious the injury is or if the person is stable. It’s also a good idea to call 911 if you have any worries about a chemical injury.

Emergency responders are trained to evaluate chemical burns, start treatment, and take patients to the hospital. They might also need to do more thorough cleaning of the injured person and the area where the accident happened before heading to the hospital.

When you call 911, try to provide the dispatcher with as much information as you can, including:

• How many people are hurt and where they are located.
• How the injury happened.
• If emergency workers can easily reach the injured or if they are stuck.
• The name, strength, and amount of the chemical that caused the burn (if possible, give the container of the chemical to emergency workers).
• How long the person has been in contact with the chemical.

If you have a burn that is larger than 3 inches across or very deep, always get emergency help. You should also seek immediate care for chemical burns on the face, eyes, groin, hands, feet, buttocks, or if the burn is over a joint.

Even if the burn is small and you’ve done basic first aid, it’s a good idea to call your doctor. They can help you understand the injury and the chemical involved, and let you know if you need more treatment. 

Your doctor may also advise you to go to the emergency room. If you’re the one with the burn, ask your doctor if you need a tetanus shot.

Chemical Burn Prevention

Before we dive into how to prevent chemical burns, let’s take a moment to think about the little things we do every day. Whether it’s cleaning our homes or handling industrial materials, being aware of our surroundings and the substances we use can make all the difference in keeping ourselves and others safe.

1. Read Labels: Always read product labels and safety data sheets before using chemicals.
2. Use PPE: Wear personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, and masks) when handling chemicals.
3. Proper Storage: Store chemicals in their original containers, tightly closed, and in a cool, dry place away from children.
4. Keep Away from Heat: Store flammable chemicals away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
5. Ventilation: Use chemicals in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
6. Avoid Mixing: Never mix different chemicals unless instructed, as it can produce dangerous reactions.
7. Use Tools: Use appropriate tools (like funnels or scoops) to handle chemicals safely.
8. First Aid Kit: Keep a first aid kit stocked with items for chemical burns (e.g., sterile water, burn ointment).
9. Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan in place, including knowing the location of the nearest eyewash station and emergency phone numbers.
10. Educate Others: Train family members or coworkers on chemical safety and first aid for chemical burns.

Following these simple tips can significantly reduce the risk of chemical burns and enhance safety when handling chemicals.

Stay Safe from Chemical Burns for a Healthier Tomorrow

Knowing how to treat and prevent chemical burns is essential for everyone. Always act quickly if an incident occurs, rinsing the affected area and seeking medical help when needed. Remember to prioritize safety when handling chemicals—use protective gear and follow all instructions carefully. Staying informed about the dangers of different substances can make a significant difference. With a little awareness and preparation, you can keep yourself and others safe from chemical burns.