Chemical Burns ~ Learn First Aid

Thursday, July 21, 2011

If a chemical burns the skin:

Remove the cause of the burn by flushing the chemicals off the skin surface with cool,

running water for 20 minutes ;or more. If the burning chemical is a powder like substance

5such as lime, brush it off the skin before flushing.

Remove clothing or jewelry that has been contaminated by the chemical.

Wrap the burned area with a dry, sterile dressing or a clean cloth.

Rinse the burn again for several more minutes if the victim complains of increased

burning after the initial washing.

Minor chemical burns usually heal without further treatment.

&Seek emergency medical assistance if:

The victim has symptoms of shock, such as fainting, pale complexion or breathing in a

notably shallow fashion

The chemical burned through the first layer of skin and the ;resulting second-degree burn

covers an area more than 2 to 3 inches in diameter

:The chemical burn occurred on the eye, hands, feet, face, !groin, buttocks or a major joint

If you are unsure whether a substance is toxic, call the poison control center.