What are the immediate steps to take for a chemical burn. How can you identify symptoms of chemical exposure. When should you seek medical help for a chemical burn. What items should be included in a first aid kit for chemical burns. How does skin protect against chemical exposure.

Understanding Chemical Burns and Their Impact on the Body

Chemical burns occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with irritants or corrosive substances. These burns can range from mild to severe, depending on the chemical involved and the duration of exposure. Understanding the nature of chemical burns is crucial for proper treatment and prevention.

The skin, our body’s largest organ, plays a vital role in protecting us from external threats, including harmful chemicals. It acts as a barrier, regulating body temperature and defending against bacteria and ultraviolet radiation. When chemicals breach this protective layer, they can cause damage not only to the skin but potentially to underlying tissues and organs as well.

How do chemicals interact with the skin?

Chemicals can interact with the skin in various ways:

• Direct corrosion of skin cells
• Disruption of the skin’s natural pH balance
• Dehydration of skin tissue
• Allergic reactions
• Systemic absorption leading to internal damage

The severity of a chemical burn depends on factors such as the type and concentration of the chemical, duration of exposure, and the area of the body affected.

Identifying Symptoms of Chemical Exposure

Recognizing the signs of chemical exposure is crucial for timely intervention. Symptoms can manifest in various ways, affecting the skin, respiratory system, and overall health.

What are the common symptoms of chemical burns?

Chemical burn symptoms may include:

• Redness, irritation, or burning sensation on the skin
• Blisters or skin peeling
• Pain or numbness in the affected area
• Changes in skin color
• Difficulty breathing or coughing
• Eye irritation or vision changes
• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting

It’s important to note that some chemical exposures may not produce immediate symptoms, making vigilance and proper safety protocols essential in environments where chemical exposure risks are present.

Immediate First Aid Steps for Chemical Burns

Quick and appropriate action is crucial when dealing with chemical burns. The primary goal is to remove the chemical and minimize damage to the affected area.

How should you respond to a chemical burn?

Follow these steps for immediate chemical burn treatment:

1. Ensure your safety: Use appropriate protective gear before assisting the victim.
2. Remove the chemical source: Brush off dry chemicals or flush with water, except for specific substances like dry lime or elemental metals.
3. Remove contaminated clothing and jewelry.
4. Rinse the affected area: Flush with cool running water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Apply cool, wet compresses to relieve pain.
6. Cover the burn: Use a dry sterile dressing or clean cloth.
7. Monitor for signs of shock and treat accordingly.
8. Seek medical attention for severe burns or systemic reactions.

Remember, the specific treatment may vary depending on the chemical involved. When in doubt, contact a poison control center or emergency services for guidance.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Chemical Burns

Not all chemical burns are treated the same way. Certain substances require specific handling and first aid approaches to prevent further damage.

How do treatments differ for various chemical burns?

Consider these special cases:

• Dry lime (calcium oxide) burns: Brush off the chemical first, then flush with water to prevent a heat-generating reaction.
• Elemental metal burns (sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, lithium): These react violently with water. Use a dry powder extinguisher or cover with dry sand.
• Hydrofluoric acid burns: Require immediate medical attention due to the risk of deep tissue damage and systemic toxicity.
• Eye chemical burns: Flush continuously with water and seek immediate medical care.

Always consult a poison control center or medical professional for specific guidance on treating chemical burns, especially for unfamiliar substances.

Creating an Effective First Aid Kit for Chemical Burns

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for addressing chemical burns promptly and effectively. Ensuring you have the right supplies can make a significant difference in the outcome of a chemical exposure incident.

What should be included in a chemical burn first aid kit?

An effective chemical burn first aid kit should contain:

• Personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, face mask)
• Sterile saline solution for flushing eyes and skin
• Burn gel or burn dressings
• Sterile gauze and bandages
• Scissors to remove contaminated clothing
• Tweezers for removing small debris
• Cool packs for pain relief
• pH paper to identify acid or base burns
• Emergency contact numbers including poison control

Additionally, include any specific antidotes or neutralizing agents recommended for chemicals commonly used in your environment. Regular checks and restocking of the first aid kit are crucial to ensure all items are present and within their expiration dates.

Prevention Strategies and Safety Measures

Preventing chemical burns is always preferable to treating them. Implementing robust safety measures and educating individuals about potential risks can significantly reduce the occurrence of chemical exposures.

How can chemical burns be prevented in various settings?

Consider these prevention strategies:

• Proper labeling and storage of chemicals
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Regular safety training for employees handling chemicals
• Implementation of emergency shower and eyewash stations
• Development and practice of emergency response procedures
• Regular risk assessments and safety audits
• Substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives when possible

In home settings, keep household chemicals out of reach of children, use child-resistant containers, and always read and follow product instructions carefully.

Long-Term Effects and Follow-Up Care for Chemical Burns

While immediate treatment is crucial, the care for chemical burns doesn’t end after initial first aid. Some chemical exposures can have long-lasting effects that require ongoing medical attention and rehabilitation.

What are potential long-term consequences of chemical burns?

Long-term effects may include:

• Scarring and skin discoloration
• Loss of function in affected areas
• Chronic pain or sensitivity
• Psychological trauma
• Increased risk of skin cancer in severely burned areas
• Systemic health issues from absorbed chemicals

Follow-up care is essential and may involve:

1. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers
2. Scar management therapies
3. Physical therapy to maintain mobility and function
4. Psychological support for trauma and adjustment
5. Monitoring for potential long-term health effects

It’s crucial to follow medical advice and attend all recommended follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible recovery and to address any complications that may arise.

Legal and Workplace Considerations for Chemical Burns

Chemical burns occurring in workplace settings often involve additional legal and regulatory considerations. Understanding these aspects is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure proper handling of incidents and compliance with safety standards.

What are the legal implications of workplace chemical burns?

Several factors come into play:

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations
• Workers’ compensation claims
• Employer liability and potential lawsuits
• Mandatory incident reporting and investigation
• Requirements for safety training and equipment provision

Employers must ensure they’re compliant with all relevant safety regulations and have proper procedures in place for handling chemical exposures. Employees should be aware of their rights and the proper channels for reporting safety concerns or incidents.

How can workplaces improve their chemical safety protocols?

To enhance workplace safety regarding chemical exposures:

1. Conduct regular risk assessments
2. Implement a comprehensive chemical hygiene plan
3. Provide ongoing safety training and education
4. Ensure proper ventilation and containment systems
5. Regularly update and communicate safety procedures
6. Encourage a culture of safety awareness and reporting

By prioritizing safety and fostering open communication, workplaces can significantly reduce the risk of chemical burns and ensure swift, appropriate responses when incidents do occur.

Chemical burns represent a significant health and safety concern across various settings, from industrial workplaces to everyday household environments. By understanding the nature of these injuries, recognizing symptoms promptly, and knowing how to respond effectively, we can mitigate the potential for serious harm. Proper prevention strategies, coupled with well-prepared first aid measures, form the cornerstone of chemical burn management. As our knowledge of chemical interactions with the human body continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to safety and treatment. Staying informed and prepared is not just a matter of personal safety—it’s a collective responsibility that helps ensure healthier, safer environments for all.

Chemical burn or reaction Information | Mount Sinai

Burn from chemicals

Chemicals that touch skin can lead to a reaction on the skin, throughout the body, or both.

The essentials of a good first aid kit include a variety of bandages, medications, and equipment to stabilize injuries until proper medical attention can be administered.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.

Considerations

Chemical exposure is not always obvious. You should suspect chemical exposure if an otherwise healthy person becomes ill for no apparent reason, particularly if an empty chemical container is found nearby.

Exposure to chemicals at work over a long period of time can cause changing symptoms as the chemical builds up in the person’s body.

If the person has a chemical in the eyes, see first aid for eye emergencies.

If the person has swallowed or inhaled a dangerous chemical, call a local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of exposure, the symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Breathing difficulty
• Bright red or bluish skin and lips
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Dizziness
• Eye pain, burning or watering
• Headache
• Hives, itching, swelling, or weakness resulting from an allergic reaction
• Irritability
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Pain where the skin has come in contact with the toxic substance
• Rash, blisters, burns on the skin
• Unconsciousness or other states of altered level of consciousness

First Aid

• Make sure that all rescuers have appropriate safety gear, this may include eye protection and skin protection.
• Remove the victim from the area of exposure, or make sure the cause of the burn or exposure has been removed. Try not to come in contact with it yourself. If the chemical is dry, brush off any excess. Avoid brushing it into your eyes. Remove any clothing and jewelry.
• Flush the chemicals off the skin surface using cool running water for 15 minutes or more UNLESS the chemical exposure is to dry lime (calcium oxide, also called ‘quick lime’) or to elemental metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, and lithium.
• Treat the person for shock if they appear faint, pale, or if there is shallow, rapid breathing.
• Apply cool, wet compresses to relieve pain.
• Wrap the burned area with a dry sterile dressing (if possible) or clean cloth. Protect the burned area from pressure and friction.
• Minor chemical burns will most often heal without further treatment. However, if there is a second or third degree burn or if there is an overall body reaction, get medical help right away. In severe cases, don’t leave the person alone and watch carefully for reactions affecting the entire body.

Note: If a chemical gets into the eyes, the eyes should be flushed with water right away. Continue to flush the eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical help right away.

Do Not

• DO NOT apply any household remedy such as ointment or salve to a chemical burn.
• DO NOT become contaminated by the chemical as you give first aid.
• DO NOT disturb a blister or remove dead skin from a chemical burn.
• DO NOT try to neutralize any chemical without consulting the poison control center or a doctor.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for medical help right away if the person is having difficulty breathing, is having seizures, or is unconscious.

Prevention

• All chemicals should be stored out of the reach of young children — preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Avoid mixing different products that contain toxic chemicals such as ammonia and bleach. The mixture can give off hazardous fumes.
• Avoid prolonged (even low-level) exposure to chemicals.
• Avoid using potentially toxic substances in the kitchen or around food.
• Buy potentially poisonous substance in safety containers, and buy only as much as needed.
• Many household products are made of toxic chemicals. It is important to read and follow label instructions, including any precautions.
• Never store household products in food or drink containers. Leave them in their original containers with the labels intact.
• Safely store chemicals immediately after use.
• Use paints, petroleum products, ammonia, bleach, and other products that give off fumes only in a well-ventilated area.

Levine MD. Chemical injuries. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 57.

Mazzeo AS. Burn care procedures. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges’ Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 38.

Rao NK, Goldstein MH. Acid and alkali burns. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4. 26.

Last reviewed on: 11/13/2021

Reviewed by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Chemical Burns: Care Instructions | Kaiser Permanente

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Overview

Burns can occur when a harmful chemical, such as a cleaning product or an acid, splashes onto the skin. The amount of damage to the skin depends on how strong the chemical was, how much of it was on the skin, and how long it was there. Chemical burns, even minor ones, can be very painful. A minor burn may heal within a few days. But a more serious burn may take weeks or even months to heal completely.

When the skin is damaged by a burn, it may become infected. You can help prevent infection and help your burn heal. Keep the burn clean, and change the bandages often. Taking good care of the burn as it heals may help prevent bad scars.

The treatment for most chemical burns is to remove the chemical from the skin by flushing the area with plenty of water. But some chemicals can’t be removed with water. They may need to be removed from the skin in other ways by the doctor.

The doctor has checked your skin carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor told you how to care for your burn, follow your doctor’s instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice: .
  • Wash the burn every day with a mild soap and water. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • Gently pat the burn dry after you wash it.
  • You may cover the burn with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly and a nonstick bandage.
  • Apply more ointment and replace the bandage as needed.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Don’t break blisters open. Broken blisters could get infected. If a blister breaks open by itself, blot up the liquid, and leave the skin that covered the blister. This helps protect the new skin.
• Try not to scratch the burn. Talk to your doctor about what to use on the burn for itching.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your pain gets worse.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the burn.
  • Pus draining from the burn.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• The burn is not getting better each day.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter M105 in the search box to learn more about “Chemical Burns: Care Instructions”.

Burns. Burns of the upper respiratory tract – First Aid

• Superficial burn symptoms

  Signs of a superficial burn are redness and swelling of the skin at the site of exposure to the damaging agent, as well as the appearance of blisters filled with a clear liquid.

• Deep burns

  Manifested by the appearance of blisters filled with bloody contents, which may be partially destroyed, the skin may be charred and become insensitive to pain. Often, burns combine deep and superficial lesions.

• Burn area determination

  The severity of the victim’s condition depends not only on the depth of damage, but also on the area of ​​the burn surface. The area of ​​the burn can be determined by the “palm method” (the area of ​​the palm is approximately equal to 1% of the body surface area) or the “method of nines” (in this case, the body area is divided into areas whose dimensions are a multiple of 9% of body area – head and neck 9%, chest 9%, abdomen 9%, right and left arm 9% each; right and left leg 18% each, back 18%), the remaining 1% is the crotch area. When determining the area of ​​the burn, these methods can be combined.

• Thermal burn

  Immediate cooling relieves pain, reduces swelling, reduces the area and depth of burns.

• Chemical burn

  It is necessary to wash off the substance from the surface of the skin with a stream of running water. Considering that often the chemical structure of the damaging substance is unknown and neutralizing solutions are not available or it takes a long time to prepare them, it is limited to washing the skin with running water for 20 minutes. In this case, the chemical is completely washed off into the skin, and it is not necessary to neutralize it.

• First aid prohibited:

  Open burn blisters, remove parts of burnt clothing from the affected surface, apply ointments and fats to the affected areas.

• Upper respiratory tract burn, main manifestations. First aid

  It is possible to suspect the presence of a burn of the upper respiratory tract in the victim if he was in a burning room. This condition is manifested by shortness of breath, coughing. In this case, sooty and burns of the face, burnt mustache and beard may be noted. First aid will consist in the speedy removal of the victim to fresh air, giving him an optimal position (half-sitting) and calling an ambulance.

First aid for burns

Termination of the damaging agent (extinguishing fire, removing chemicals, stopping the electric current on the body)

Cooling the burnt part of the body under a stream of cold water for 20 minutes (in the absence of water, it can be replaced by applying cold over a bandage or cloth).

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1.9. Thermal and chemical burns of the respiratory tract

Thermal and chemical burns of the respiratory tract are caused by inhalation of steam, hot smoke, chemical fumes and other combustion products. The most severe burns occur with mixed burns (thermal and chemical effects). The highest frequency of burns of the respiratory tract is observed during the period of hostilities. At home, these burns account for up to 1% of all burn cases.

In case of thermal and chemical damage to the respiratory tract, their mucous and submucosal membranes are destroyed, and in severe cases, complete necrosis of the walls of the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles occurs, which leads to the development of severe acute respiratory failure and death. In addition to local effects, combustion products also have a general toxic effect on the human body. Burn damage causes inflammatory processes in the airways, which are accompanied by mucosal edema, impaired blood microcirculation, an increase in the amount of sputum in the airways, the separation of which is difficult, which leads to acute respiratory failure (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1

The clinical picture of burns of the respiratory tract depends on the type of damaging factor, the duration of the impact of the burn on the respiratory tract, the time and completeness of medical care. The primary tasks in providing assistance to burn victims are the termination of the damaging factor, the elimination of respiratory failure and pain, and the elimination of the consequences of the toxic effect of combustion products. For this purpose, complex drug therapy is carried out. To ensure airway patency and eliminate respiratory failure, tracheal intubation or the installation of a laryngeal mask with oxygen supply are performed at the initial stages of treatment (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

In the future, tracheal intubation can be replaced by a tracheostomy (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3

Sanitary fibrobronchoscopy is performed through an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube, the purpose of which is to remove sputum and necrotic tissues from the lumen of the respiratory tract, to carry out local drug exposure with drugs on the walls of the trachea and bronchi to improve the permeability of oxygen and air and eliminate the inflammatory process of the walls of the respiratory tract ( Fig.