Many chemicals in your home, work, or school can cause severe burns to your skin and eyes. Understanding chemical burns and their treatment can help you, or someone you know gets better quickly.

Most minor chemical burns heal quickly with first aid and are not life-threatening. However, severe chemical burns need emergency medical care.

Medical Treatment

When people have been exposed to a chemical that can harm them, they should receive medical treatment. The treatment will depend on the cause, the severity, and the depth of the burn.

The first step in emergency treatment is to call 911 and ask for help. The emergency medical crew will assess the situation and provide immediate care if necessary.

If exposed to a chemical, you should immediately wash it off your skin and eyes. It is to prevent tissue damage.

After washing the burn area, you must flush it with water. It is essential to take care not to allow runoff to contact unaffected regions of the body and gently brush away any solid materials.

You may also need to be admitted to the hospital for observation, depending on the potential severity of your burns and how long you have been exposed. It will allow you to have IV fluids and medications needed to treat pain or protect against infection.

Most people with minor chemical burns can go home after arranging follow-up care with their doctor. If you have a severe chemical burn, you should be admitted to the hospital to receive treatment.

Emergency Treatment

The first step in the emergency treatment of chemical burns is to remove the patient from the area of the injury. If the chemical is liquid, pour cool water over the affected area until an ambulance arrives to stop it from burning.

If the chemical is powdered, brush it off as much as possible using a dry cloth or towel. Never use a wet sponge to flush the area, as it can worsen the chemical burn.

After the burn has been cleaned, you should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital that has an emergency department. They will assess the burn and begin treatment. They may put a breathing tube in your airway to help you breathe.

The burn will need to be checked regularly for any new problems. It can include pain, swelling, redness, or bleeding.

You should also call the doctor to schedule follow-up care if you need it. It is essential because it can prevent infection and improve the healing process.

Depending on the type of burn and where it occurred, some chemicals can be neutralized (treated with an acid or alkali) to reduce their effect. It is usually done by a doctor who will prescribe an antibiotic ointment.

As with other types of burns, a medical professional should inspect and treat all chemical burns as soon as possible. It can help prevent severe complications and prevent the need for surgery.

First-Aid Treatment

First-aid treatment for chemical burns aims to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery. It includes moving the person away from the cause of the burn, applying first aid techniques, keeping them warm and dry, and applying pressure to wounds to stop bleeding. First aid medical kits should also be stored in medical cabinets and ready to be used during emergencies.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a chemical burn, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Make sure to let the emergency services know what chemical was used and when it occurred so they can help you.

It’s also essential to keep the victim calm and ensure they don’t have any other injuries. It can be done by putting them in a safe position and ensuring they have a clear airway.

Once you’ve cooled the chemical burn, remove any clothing that is stuck to it or that may be touching the skin. It can reduce the patient’s pain and make it easier for them to get medical attention if needed.

Most first-degree chemical burns will heal with appropriate treatment and aren’t a significant concern. However, second and third-degree burns may be more severe and require more complex care, such as surgery to remove or replace part of the skin with a piece of healthy tissue (a graft). These burns will usually take months or even years to recover from.

Follow-Up Care

You’ll need follow-up care if you’ve received medical treatment for a chemical burn. Your doctor can help you manage pain and ensure your burns heal properly. You may also need help to prevent infection and scarring.

Your doctor may give you medicines at home or recommend you visit a hospital for medical treatment. They can do blood tests to check how well your kidneys, liver, and lungs work. You might also have a chest X-ray or a CT (computed tomography) scan to check for internal tissue damage.

After your medical treatment, you’ll need to keep your burn clean and dry. You may need to use antibiotic ointment or silver sulfadiazine to help prevent infection.

Apply burn ointment to the burn site twice a day or whenever your dressing needs to be changed. Your doctor will decide on a suitable cream and sauce for you.

Cool compresses are often used to relieve pain and numb the skin. They’re not practical for more profound and severe burns, so talk to your doctor about using them instead.

You can use ointments already in your medicine cabinet for minor burns. They are easy to apply and can keep your burned skin from getting too dry or irritated.