Chemical burns can occur from common household products, in industry, or from malicious acid attacks. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
Chemicals can irritate and burn the skin causing damage that can sometimes be life threatening. These burns can occur in industry or in the home from common household products like bleach, detergents, and ammonia. They can also occur from malicious acid attacks. Anyone with a chemical burn will need emergency help as soon as possible.
Look for:
intense stinging pain
evidence of the chemicals nearby.
Later:
blistering, peeling, discoloration or swelling of the affected area.
If the burn is severe, call 999 or 112 for emergency help. Pass on any details you may have of the chemical to ambulance control.
If possible, ask someone else to call so that you can continue to cool the burn.
First, make sure that the area around you and the casualty is safe. Wear protective gloves and if available, an apron and eye protection too - this will prevent you from coming into contact with the chemical.
If inside, ventilate the area such as opening windows or doors to disperse any fumes. If appropriate, remove the casualty outside to avoid others being contaminated.
If the chemical is in powder form, it can be brushed or patted off the skin. Remove clothing as this could be contaminated.
If it is safe to, seal the chemical container.
Flood the burn with cool or lukewarm running water until the ambulance arrives, to disperse the chemical and stop it burning. When cooling, pour the water away from yourself to avoid being hit by any chemical splashes. Ensure any contaminated water does not collect near the casualty.
Do not delay starting treatment by searching for an antidote.
Never attempt to neutralise acid or alkali burns unless you are trained to do so.
Carefully remove any contaminated clothing.
If there is someone else available to help you and is wearing protective gloves, they can do this while you continue to cool the burn.
If the burn is minor and you have not yet called for help, send the casualty to hospital. Monitor their level of response whilst waiting for help.
