How to provide first aid for a chemical burn

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Chemical burns: causes of their occurrence, signs and symptoms, first aid measures and complex therapy
Almost all chemicals are endowed with the necessary strength, which can have a destructive effect on the tissues of the human body. Alkalis and concentrated acids are especially strong in this regard. As soon as they begin to affect the human body, they immediately arise chemical burns. First aid for such burns, it involves, first of all, thoroughly washing the affected area with running water, since this is the only way to get rid of the aggressive component. After this, it is recommended to apply a sterile bandage to the affected area. If a chemical component gets into the eyes or a person swallows it, then the first thing you should do is rinse the eye or stomach, and then consult an emergency physician.

Chemical burn is tissue damage resulting from exposure to salts of heavy metals, acids, caustic liquids, alkalis or any other chemically active components. These types of burns occur as a result of safety violations, domestic accidents, secondary injuries or suicide attempts. There are other factors that contribute to their development. The severity, as well as the depth of such burns, directly depends on the following factors:

1. concentration and amount of chemical
2. mechanism of action and strength of the chemical
3. degree of penetration and duration of exposure to the chemical

According to the depth and severity of tissue damage, four degrees of chemical burns are distinguished

First degree (damage to the upper layer of the skin, epidermis). In this case, there is slight swelling, redness, and mild pain at the site of the lesion.

Second degree (damage to the deeper layers of the skin). In this case, redness and swelling occur, as well as blisters filled with clear liquid.

Third degree (damage to the deeper layers of the skin, reaching the subcutaneous adipose tissue) is accompanied by the appearance of blisters that are filled with cloudy liquid or bloody contents. In this case, there is a violation of sensitivity, that is, the person does not experience pain in the affected area.

Fourth degree (damage to all tissues: skin, muscles, tendons).

In most cases, chemical burns occur third And fourth degrees.

If the burn occurs under the influence of alkalis and acids, then a so-called scab or crust appears at the site of the lesion. The crust that appears after exposure to alkalis is loose, whitish, soft and does not stand out among the whole tissue by any boundaries. If we compare alkaline liquids with acidic liquids, it is immediately worth noting that the former tend to penetrate much deeper into the tissue, therefore, they cause more significant harm.

In case of acid burns the crust is hard and dry. In addition, it has clearly defined boundaries that distinguish it from healthy areas of the skin. Plus, acid burns are most often superficial.
Color of the affected area skin in the case of a chemical burn is determined by the type of chemical substance. If the skin is exposed to sulfuric acid, then it initially turns white, and only then turns brown or gray. If the skin has been burned with nitric acid, then the affected area becomes yellow-brown or light yellow-green. Hydrochloric acid tends to leave yellowish burns, but acetic acid tends to leave a dirty white color. When burned with carbolic acid, the affected area first turns white and then brown. In the case of a burn with concentrated hydrogen peroxide, the affected area becomes gray.

It should be noted that the skin tissue continues to deteriorate even after the chemical component ceases to come into contact with it, and all because the process of absorption of the chemical substance in this case does not stop immediately. As a result, it is simply impossible to establish the exact degree of the burn during the first hours or days after the incident. It will be possible to make an accurate diagnosis only after seven to ten days, namely when the process of suppuration of the resulting crust begins. The danger and severity of this type of burn is determined by both its area and depth. The larger the affected area, the more dangerous the burn is for the patient’s life.

First aid for chemical burns of the skin

First aid in such cases involves: removing the chemical component from the affected area as quickly as possible, reducing the concentration of its residues on the skin by thoroughly rinsing with water, as well as cooling the affected area in order to reduce pain.

In case of a chemical burn to the skin, the following measures should be taken:

1. You should immediately remove clothing or jewelry that contains chemical components.
2. To get rid of the causes of the burn, it is necessary to wash off the chemicals from the skin, while holding the affected area under cold running water for at least a quarter of an hour. If it was not possible to rinse the affected area in a timely manner, then the rinsing time is increased to thirty to forty minutes. You should not try to get rid of chemicals using tampons or napkins moistened with water, as this will allow them to penetrate even more deeply into the skin. If the chemical component is in powder form, then first you need to remove its remnants from the skin and only then begin to wash the affected area. Exceptions to the rules are cases when there is a categorical contraindication for the interaction of a chemical component with water. This applies, for example, to aluminum, since organic compounds of this substance tend to ignite upon contact with water.
3. If after the first rinse a person begins to experience an even stronger burning sensation, then it is recommended to rinse the affected area again with running water for five to six minutes.
4. As soon as the affected area is washed, you should proceed to neutralize the chemical components. In case of an acid burn, you should use soapy water or a two percent solution of baking soda. This solution is easy to prepare: take two and a half glasses of water and dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in it. In case of an alkali burn, a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid will come to the rescue. The chemical components of lime can be neutralized with a two percent sugar solution. Carbolic acid can be neutralized with milk of lime and glycerin.
5. You can reduce pain by applying a cold, damp cloth or towel to the affected area.
6. After this, apply a loose bandage made of clean dry cloth or a dry sterile bandage to the affected surface.

If the burn is not severe, then it will heal without any medications.

For a chemical burn, immediate medical attention is needed in the following cases:

1. If a person exhibits signs of shock such as pale skin, loss of consciousness, and shallow breathing.
2. If the diameter of the burn is more than seven and a half centimeters, and it has also penetrated deeper than the first layer of skin.
3. Chemical damage affected the groin area, legs, eyes, buttocks, face, arms or large joints, as well as the esophagus and oral cavity.
4. A person experiences very strong pain that cannot be relieved with painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen .

If you nevertheless decide to get advice from a specialist, then do not forget to take with you the container with the chemical substance that caused the burn, or its detailed description. This will make it possible to neutralize it much faster, which sometimes cannot be done under normal home conditions.

Chemical burns to the eyes

Chemical burns to the eyes are the result of lime, acids, ammonia, alkalis or other chemical components entering this area at work or at home. In fact, burns in this area are extremely dangerous, which is why they require timely consultation with a medical specialist. The severity of chemical eye burns is determined by the concentration, temperature, chemical composition, and the amount of the substance that caused the burn. In addition, the general reactivity of the patient’s body, the condition of his eyes, as well as the quality and timeliness of first aid are also taken into account. In most cases, with such burns, the patient experiences the following subjective sensations: lacrimation, fear of light, cutting pain in the eye area. In very severe cases, the patient may lose vision completely. We note right away that with such burns, not only the eyes are affected, but also the skin around them. It is very important to provide first aid to a person in a timely manner. First of all, he needs to rinse his eyes with plenty of running water as quickly as possible. Open your eyelids and rinse your eyes for ten to fifteen minutes. In this case, water is the main neutralizer of chemical components. If the burn is a consequence of exposure to alkali, then milk can be used instead of water. As soon as the eye is thoroughly washed, take a piece of gauze or bandage and apply a dry bandage. As soon as this is done, immediately take the patient to the doctor.

Chemical burns of the stomach and esophagus

Author: Pashkov M.K. Content Project Coordinator.

There are different situations in life when people around you or loved ones need first aid. This includes getting into an accident, frostbite, and electric shocks. A common problem is burns. This term refers to tissue damage caused by thermal, electrical, chemical or radiation energy. Today we will look at injuries caused by aggressive substances and first aid for chemical burns.

The need for first aid

Every person should know how first aid is provided. This topic is very relevant, because anyone can find themselves in trouble. This is confirmed by the classification below. People affected by burns are divided into several groups:

1. persons injured due to their own negligence or inattention;
2. accident victims;
3. people who have suffered from the actions of criminals;
4. rescue workers.

First aid for chemical burns of the skin and mucous membranes is very important. The sooner it occurs, the faster further exposure to traumatic factors stops. Thanks to first aid, serious consequences and even death are prevented.

General information about chemical burns

Chemical burns occur due to the negative impact of aggressive substances on the skin or mucous membranes. The following degrees of damage are distinguished:

1. I degree - the affected area becomes swollen, redness of the skin is observed;
2. II degree - on damaged and reddened skin, the upper layers of the dermis die (with a thermochemical burn, blisters containing a yellowish liquid appear);
3. III degree – tissue necrosis (necrosis) begins in the affected area, which is manifested by a change in skin color;
4. IV degree – deep tissues are affected (subcutaneous fat, muscles, bones).

Chemical burns: statistics and severity of injuries

Before considering first aid for chemical burns, it is worth noting that lesions most often occur in people through their own fault. Improper use of various substances at home and neglect of safety rules at work are the main reasons. Statistics show that chemical burns often occur due to exposure to acids (43% of cases). Much less often, lesions of the skin and mucous membranes occur due to the influence of alkalis (in 21.5% of cases).

The severity of chemical burns is determined not by the influence of an external factor, but by physicochemical changes occurring in the area of ​​injury. Substances that enter the body or mucous membranes destroy tissue until they are neutralized or diluted and removed. The severity of damage is determined by several factors:

1. the nature of the chemical;
2. duration of contact;
3. concentration and volume of the substance;
4. mechanism of action;
5. degree of penetration into tissue;
6. whether first aid for chemical burns and removal of clothing soaked in an aggressive substance was carried out in a timely manner.

General algorithm for providing medical care

When you see a person suffering from a chemical burn, you need to immediately call an ambulance, because only when you are in a medical facility is effective treatment and quick recovery possible. Then you should inspect the scene of the incident in order to understand whether it is dangerous to be here. If there is a threat to life, then you need to call rescuers and other emergency services.

If there is no risk to life, then you can approach the victim and provide first aid for chemical burns. If necessary, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment - masks, gloves. The first step is to remove the chemical-soaked clothing from the victim. This should be done carefully to prevent damage to other parts of the body.

Further assistance depending on the active substance

A person who does not have a medical education is not required to provide medical care. That is why in some cases you can refuse to take any measures. For example, if the substance that caused the burn is unknown, then it is best to wait for specialists to arrive. First medical aid depends on the cause of the chemical injury.

However, the ambulance team does not always arrive quickly when called. In order not to miss valuable time if a dangerous situation arises, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the rules for providing assistance in advance. They are listed below in the table.

Rinse the burn surface thoroughly with running water.

1. Cover the burn wound with a wide, sterile bandage (you can use a clean, dry cloth).
2. In case of a phosphorus burn, moisten the bandage with a 2–4% soda solution.
3. Lay or sit the victim so that he experiences the least pain.
4. Observe the person until the ambulance arrives.

1. Rinse off phosphorus particles with running water.
2. If possible, remove remaining particles of the substance from the wound.

1. Do not rinse with water.
2. Wash off the particles of quicklime with liquid petroleum jelly or vegetable oil.
3. If possible, remove remaining particles of the substance from the wound.

1. Do not rinse with water.
2. Use a 40% solution of ethyl alcohol (vodka) for rinsing.

Some features of first aid

The chemical is removed more effectively under a strong stream of water. However, this process is not quick. Chemical burns are washed for a long time:

1. in case of acid damage, this process requires from 30 to 60 minutes;
2. for damage caused by alkalis – several hours.

The wounds are washed until the burning sensation and pain decrease. If the chemical is powdery, then it is first shaken off and then the surface of the skin is treated with a suitable product.

Chemical burn to the eye: first aid

The eyes are an important organ for perceiving the world around us. Without them it is impossible to fully exist. That is why, in case of chemical burns to the eyes, first aid must be provided as quickly as possible in order to preserve vision. In case of contact with acid or alkali, the following actions are recommended:

1. Gently spread your eyelids with your fingers and rinse your eyes generously with cold, clean water. When rinsing, it should flow from the nose to the temple.
2. Cover your eyes with a blindfold. They should both be closed so that movements of the healthy eye do not cause discomfort in the area of ​​the affected eye.
3. After providing first aid, the blindfolded victim must be brought to a medical facility for further treatment.

When first aid is provided for chemical burns, the affected eyes are washed with more than just water. If acid gets in, sometimes use a 2% solution of baking soda. To prepare it, take a glass of boiled water and add baking soda to it on the tip of a table knife.

If alkali gets in contact, the eyes are washed with a 0.1% solution of citric acid. To prepare such a liquid, add a couple of drops of lemon juice to a glass of boiled water.

Common mistakes

People often make mistakes when providing first aid. They try to remove the chemical using wipes or swabs moistened with water. Such products should not be used for burns. The substance is not removed with napkins and tampons, but rubbed into the deep layers of the skin.

Very often, people treat the affected areas with fat, egg yolk, dairy products, urine, and wash with decoctions of medicinal plants. Experts, knowing this, recommend that people not use traditional medicine. First aid for chemical burns provided with the use of the above products can lead to infection of the burn wound. Infection can ultimately cause death.

The importance of visiting a medical facility

A person suffering from chemical burns must be taken to the hospital. The need for treatment in a hospital is primarily due to the fact that aggressive substances penetrate the bloodstream through the skin, wound surface, and mucous membranes and spread throughout the body, disrupting its functioning. For example, when inhaling certain concentrations of ammonia, hydrogen fluoride, bromine vapor, strong acids and other similar substances, irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes of the larynx, nasopharynx, hoarseness, pain in the throat, and nosebleeds are observed. Swelling of the larynx and lungs is possible, which is very dangerous.

The listed consequences are not the only ones. When absorbing oxalic or hydrofluoric acid, there is a high probability of developing hypocalcemia. If tannic, formic or picric acid, phosphorus or phenol enters the body, liver and kidney failure and depression of the central nervous system may occur.

Treatment of chemical burns in the hospital

The treatment regimen after first aid for chemical burns includes several components. It includes eliminating the toxic effects of aggressive substances. For this:

1. methods are used to accelerate the removal of toxic substances from the human body;
2. specific (antidote) therapy is used;
3. therapeutic measures are carried out aimed at maintaining and restoring impaired body functions.

Treatment of the burn surfaces themselves is determined taking into account the degree of damage. In grades I and II, ointment dressings are used. Medical professionals use drugs that help accelerate tissue regeneration. If suppuration appears, then instead of ointments, bandages moistened with antiseptic solutions are used. For deep burns, surgical treatment is used. First, a necrectomy is performed, during which dead tissue is removed. Afterwards, skin grafting of the defect is performed.

Chemical burns are quite dangerous. You should not rely on traditional medicine or on the fact that everything will heal on its own. In any case, you should contact a specialist after providing first aid for chemical burns. He will refer you for treatment in a hospital or tell you what can be used to restore minor skin lesions.

A chemical burn is the result of overexposure to hazardous chemicals. In such a situation, an immediate response is necessary. First aid for chemical burns consists of a set of measures, as a result of which the victim’s condition improves. To ensure that the prehospital care provided does not cause harm to the person, it is necessary to understand the entire procedure for action in such a situation.

Signs and characteristics of chemical burns

Chemical burns are tissue damage resulting from exposure to various chemical compounds. Most often, burns are caused by contact with alkali, acid, or other household and industrial substances. This phenomenon occurs mainly due to neglect of safe use techniques or during industrial accidents.

Signs of a chemical burn vary depending on the substance that caused the condition. A symptom of alkali damage on the body is a whitish, loose crust - a scab, which differs little from the general color of the skin. Under the influence of acid, the scab is hard and hard. The color of the crust varies depending on what kind of acid gets on the body. Alkaline and acid burns differ in the depth of damage. If the first penetrates deep into the tissue, then the second, most often, acts superficially.

How to give first aid

A chemical burn is a dangerous phenomenon that requires immediate first aid. Before the doctors arrive, it is necessary to perform a number of sequential actions that will help improve the patient’s condition and prevent the development of dangerous consequences:

1. Stop contact with the chemical component. If the victim is at the epicenter of a chemical release, he should be placed in a safe place.
2. Remove clothing and accessories that are located near the affected area. You should not try to remove them in the usual way, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the wound surface with tissue or metal. It is better to carefully cut the clothing and remove it, avoiding unnecessary friction.
3. Rinse the wound for a long time (from 15 minutes) with running cold water. The larger the affected area, the more abundant and longer the washing takes place. In cases of severe damage, this takes about 1 hour.
4. Treat the wound with a chemical neutralizing agent. Special products and some household ingredients will do. If the chemical gets inside the esophagus or stomach, it must be neutralized by drinking plenty of water or milk. Taking liquid in case of poisoning will cause emetic spasm, which will speed up the process of removing the toxin from the cavity of the esophagus. Care must be taken to ensure that vomit does not fill the airways. It is better to place the patient on his side and open his mouth.
5. Apply a dry, loose sterile dressing. It is better to use a bandage or gauze. The bandage should not tighten the flesh tightly. Its main function is to prevent pathogenic bacteria from entering an open wound of the arm, leg or torso.

In many cases, the success of subsequent treatment, and in particular the life of the victim, depends on the correct provision of first aid. Upon arrival of the ambulance, you should provide information about all previously performed manipulations to the medical personnel.

Overview of treatment tools for first aid

To stop the development of a burn injury at the first aid stage, it is necessary to treat the wound with a chemical neutralizing agent.

In addition to home first aid remedies, there are special medications that can be purchased at the pharmacy.

Miramistin is a drug with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. Apply the product to a cotton swab, which is then used to treat the wound. The drug promotes the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Panthenol is an effective remedy for treating chemical burns. Apply a thin layer to the wound. Long-term use of Panthenol promotes rapid healing, prevents the formation of scars and scars.

Solcoseryl is a product that promotes the regeneration of damaged areas by restoring collagen fibers. The drug prevents the wound from drying out, ensuring complete water balance in the skin.

Sudocrem - has a restorative, soothing and protective effect. When treated, it creates a thin film on the wound, which becomes a barrier to various pathogenic bacteria.

Alfogin is a healing cream widely used for thermal, chemical and electrical burns. Thanks to its natural composition, it carefully restores damaged areas, prevents suppuration and inflammation.

Dexpanthenol is an analogue of Panthenol. Has an anti-inflammatory effect, softens and promotes regeneration.

Burnaid Emergency Kit for first aid at home. The set includes 1 sterile bandage measuring 10 by 10 centimeters and a soothing gel (3 pieces). The bandage prevents contamination of the wound surface and cools the skin, and a special gel eliminates pain and has an antibacterial effect.

We recommend reading:

What not to do with first aid

Often people do not know the principles of first aid. As a result, a number of errors are made that aggravate the patient’s situation. In order not to worsen the condition of a person suffering from a chemical burn, you should remember what actions are strictly prohibited in this situation.

1. If you have an eye burn, it is contraindicated to rub your eyes. This will promote the spread of chemicals throughout the mucous membrane of the organ and accelerate the absorption of hazardous substances.
2. Do not treat a burn with oil. This is mentioned throughout the medical literature. Moreover, this applies to chemical and any other types of burns. People make this mistake most often, which makes the situation worse. Once on a burn wound, the oil creates a film that does not release heat to the outside. Damage extends deep into the tissue. Oil is a source of bacteria.
3. In case of chemical poisoning, do not place the patient on his back. There is a risk of vomit filling the airways and suffocating the victim.
4. Do not use antiseptic solutions. Some substances can react with chemistry, causing rapid burning of the flesh.
5. Quicklime and sulfuric acid cannot be washed with water. This action will entail an aggressive thermal reaction and lead to dangerous consequences (burn deep layers, right down to bone tissue and organs).

Compliance with the recommendations and algorithm of actions will help to avoid unforeseen circumstances and save time for providing relevant assistance for a chemical burn.

Providing first aid for chemical burns helps prevent the development of consequences dangerous to human health and life. In some cases, correctly provided medical care can save important time and allow health workers to begin relevant treatment in a timely manner.