First aid treatments for chemical burns

Chemical burns are not uncommon in the home, at school and workplace. Knowing how to treat such burns effectively and quickly is the key to minimizing damage to the patient. The following methods are generally accepted as the correct treatment in an emergency involving chemical spills.

Although most people who suffer chemical burns do not need to be admitted to hospital there are exceptions. If a patient is suffering any of the following symptoms the emergency services should be called immediately. Lay the person down and continue first aid until help arrives.



Shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness if the injury is severe.

Less severe symptoms of chemical burns include irritation and redness of the skin, pain or numbness in the affected area, headaches and coughing. The coughing may be the onset of more severe trauma and should be watched carefully whilst treating the patient. If the chemical has affected the eyes the patient may experience loss of vision.

The first action should be to get the patient and yourself away from the area of the spill. Reassure the victim and try to keep them calm.

As quickly as possible, taking care not to make contact with the chemical, remove any clothing around the affected area.

Flush the affected area with copious amounts of tepid water. During the process it is important to ensure that none of the water runs off onto other, unaffected parts of the body. Continue cleaning the burn in this manner for at least 20 minutes.

Any collections of solid matter can be gently removed by brushing them away. If they do not readily fall away from the affected area do not continue attempts to remove them. Seek medical advice.

Washing chemicals from the eye can be difficult but the water method is the most effective. If possible, standing the patient under a running showerhead is the simplest way to rinse the eyes. An eyebath repeatedly filled and applied is also useful. Standing at a sink and repeatedly flushing the eyes by hand is the alternative if none of the above are viable options in a given situation.

Once thoroughly rinsed, wounds can be bandaged and it is advisable to seek the advice of your family doctor as soon as you can. A professional assessment will prevent any underlying problems or points missed during initial treatment from developing into later problems.

In severe cases where hospital treatment is required the treatment is very similar but is likely to include the intravenous delivery of drugs and fluids to stabilize the patient. Antibiotics are also likely to be given. Antibiotics may also be needed in less severe cases and the family doctor will give advice on this.