Chemical burns can occur when in direct contact with corrosive substances, such as acids, caustic soda, other strong cleaning products, thinners or gasoline, for example.
Usually, after the burn the skin is very red and with a burning sensation, however, these signs can take up to a few hours to appear.
First aid for chemical burn
When it comes into contact with a corrosive chemical substance it is advised that:
- Remove the chemical that is causing the burn, using gloves and a clean cloth, for example; Remove all clothing or accessories contaminated by the chemical; Place the place under cold water for at least 10 minutes. In some cases it may be more practical to take an ice bath; Apply clean gauze or bandage without squeezing too much. Another option is to put a little film on the place, but without squeezing too much;
In addition, if the burn continues to cause pain for a long time, analgesics, such as Paracetamol or Naproxen, can be used to relieve discomfort.
If you have had the tetanus vaccine more than 10 years ago, it is advisable to go to the emergency room or health center to do the vaccination again and avoid a possible infection.
How to treat the burn
In the days after the burn it is important to avoid exposing the skin to the sun, as well as avoiding close contact with heat sources, such as ovens or getting into hot cars parked in the sun.
In addition, every day you should apply a good moisturizing cream, such as Nivea or Mustela, for example, to moisturize the skin and facilitate the healing process.
Learn more about how to make dressings in case of skin burns.
When to go to the doctor
In many cases, chemical burns can be treated at home without any specific medical treatment. However, it is recommended to go to the emergency room when:
- Other symptoms appear such as fainting, fever or difficulty in breathing; Pain and discomfort increase with time; The burn affects more than the first layer of skin; The burned area is larger than a span; The burn happened in the eyes, hands, feet or in the intimate region.
Hospital treatment may involve the use of serum in the vein and, in some cases, it may even be necessary to reconstruct the burned skin with plastic surgery.
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