Informational Articals - Burn Centers - Chemical Burns

Most chemical burns are the result of an accident where the product accidentally got on the person’s skin or in their eyes. Occasionally a chemical burn is the result of a brutal attack that has been done randomly or to harm a particular individual. Chemical burns can be very serious and even lethal. It depends on the amount of the chemical that came into contact with the body and the type of chemical that is involved.

The majority of chemicals that can burn your skin have a type of acid in them. While you may be thinking you don’t have such harmful products in your home or workplace take a glance that the labels on cleaning supplies and you will be surprised. Common items including bleach and bathroom cleaners contain acid. So do various chemicals designed to keep your swimming pool safe.

If you only get a small amount of the chemical on your skin or in your eyes stop what you are doing and immediately wash the area with plenty of soap and water. Many people don’t realize the damage the chemical burn can have on their skin though so you are encouraged to seek medical attention.

If you start to see changes in the skin area that has been in contact, a rash breaks out, or you develop a fever seek emergency attention immediately. You will likely be treated and released after the medical staff has confirmed you are not in any further danger. In rare cases individuals have to be hospitalized due to a chemical burn. This is generally reserved for cases involving very small children or when the chemicals have been inhaled.

The common ways of treating a chemical burn by medical professionals include offering IV fluids if the blood pressure is high, providing medications to offset any pain, cleansing the area with water to remove all of the chemicals, and bandaging the area of the burn to prevent any irritation or infection.

Chemical burns can be very dangerous so treat them as your doctor tells you. If you experience any changes in your health or the wound area starts to look different contact them immediately. Make sure you follow up with your doctor as scheduled for a routine check up. Most chemical burns can be treated without any permanent damage if you get care for them immediately.