First Aid for Chemical Burns

ByJanis Updated

Chemical burns occur when harsh substances—such as acids, alkalis, or industrial chemicals—come into contact with the skin, eyes, or internal tissues. These burns may result from household items like bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners, battery acid, or gasoline.

Workplace accidents involving industrial chemicals and even some hair dyes or cleaning agents can also cause chemical burns. The severity of the injury can range from mild irritation to deep tissue damage, depending on the type and concentration of the chemical, the length of exposure, and the affected area.

Common Causes of Chemical Burns

Chemical burns can happen at home, work, or outdoors. Frequent sources include:

  • Cleaning Products: Bleach, ammonia, oven cleaner, and toilet bowl cleaner
  • Industrial Chemicals: Lye, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid
  • Automotive Fluids: Battery acid, gasoline, antifreeze
  • Personal Care Items: Hair relaxers, nail glue, or chemical peels
  • Agricultural Chemicals: Fertilizers, pesticides

Some burns are immediately painful, while others may go unnoticed for hours. It’s important to know how to act quickly and effectively.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of a chemical burn depend on the chemical involved and how long it contacts the body. Watch for:

  • Redness or irritation at the contact site
  • Pain, burning, or numbness
  • Blisters or peeling skin
  • Blackened or dead skin (in severe burns)
  • Swelling
  • Trouble breathing if fumes were inhaled
  • Vision changes or eye pain if the burn involved the eyes

Always treat any unknown or painful chemical exposure seriously.

What You Can Do at Home

Prompt first aid can limit damage and improve outcomes. Follow these steps if someone suffers a chemical burn:

1. Protect Yourself First: If you’re helping someone else, avoid touching the chemical. Use gloves, a cloth, or plastic wrap if available. Avoid breathing in fumes. Move the person away from the source of exposure and into fresh air.

2. Remove Contaminated Clothing: Quickly take off any clothing or jewelry that has touched the chemical. Be cautious not to smear the chemical onto unaffected skin during removal.

3. Rinse the Affected Area: Flush the burn with cool running water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Use a sink, shower, or hose. If the chemical is a powder (like lime), brush it off the skin before rinsing, using a clean, dry cloth or gloved hand. Continue rinsing until emergency services arrive or you are told to stop.

4. Do Not Use Neutralizing Agents: Do not apply vinegar, baking soda, or other substances in an attempt to neutralize the chemical. These can worsen the burn or cause further reactions.

5. Cover the Burn: After rinsing, loosely cover the area with a clean, nonstick bandage or dry cloth. Avoid tight wrappings or ointments unless instructed by a medical provider.

6. Flush the Eyes if Needed: If the eyes are affected, hold them open and rinse gently with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Avoid using an eye cup or dropper. Seek immediate medical attention—do not delay.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Help

Get emergency care right away if:

  • The burn involves the eyes, face, hands, feet, groin, or a large area of the body.
  • The skin is deeply damaged or appears black, white, or leathery.
  • The person has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking.
  • The person experiences chest pain, seizures, or confusion.
  • There are signs of shock, such as pale skin, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, or weakness.
  • The burn is caused by a strong acid or alkali, such as drain cleaner or battery acid.

Always bring the chemical container or label to the hospital if it’s safe to do so—this helps medical providers identify the substance and offer the right treatment.

Medical Treatment Options

Depending on the severity, treatment may include:

  • IV fluids and pain management.
  • Specialized wound care.
  • Antibiotics to prevent or treat infection.
  • Surgery or skin grafts for deep burns.
  • Eye treatment from an ophthalmologist if vision is affected.

In some cases, hospitalization in a burn center is required.

Prevention Tips

You can reduce the risk of chemical burns by taking these precautions:

  • Keep emergency numbers and the poison control center handy.
  • Store household cleaners and chemicals out of reach of children.
  • Label all containers clearly and keep chemicals in original packaging.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection when using strong products.
  • Ventilate rooms during use of chemicals.
  • Read labels and follow safety instructions carefully.
  • Never mix cleaning agents (e.g., bleach and ammonia), which can create toxic gases.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.