Health Encyclopedia

Chemical burn or reaction

Definition

Chemicals that touch skin can cause a limited skin reaction, an overall body reaction, or both.

Alternative Names

Burn from chemicals

Considerations

Chemical exposure is not always obvious. You should suspect chemical exposure if an otherwise healthy person becomes ill for no apparent reason, particularly if an empty chemical container is found nearby.

Exposure to chemicals at work over a long period of time can cause changing symptoms as the chemical builds up in the person's body.

If the person has a chemical in the eyes, see first aid for eye emergencies. If the person has swallowed or inhaled a dangerous chemical, call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of exposure, the symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain
Bright red or Bluish skin and lips
Breathing difficulty
Convulsions (seizures)
Dizziness
Headache
Hives, itching, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or weakness resulting from an allergic reaction
Irritability
Pain where the skin has come in contact with the toxic substance
Rash, blisters, burns on the skin
Unconsciousness

First Aid

Make sure the cause of the burn has been removed. Try not to come in contact with it yourself. If the chemical is dry, brush off any excess. Avoid brushing it into your eyes. Remove any contaminated clothing or jewelry.
Flush the chemicals off the skin surface using cool running water for 15 minutes or more.
Treat the person for shock if he or she appears faint, pale, or if there is shallow, rapid breathing.
Apply cool, wet compresses to relieve pain.
Wrap the burned area with a dry sterile dressing (if possible) or clean cloth. Protect the burned area from pressure and friction.
Minor chemical burns will generally heal without further treatment. However, if there is a second or third degree burn or if there is an overall body reaction, get medical help immediately. In severe cases, don't leave the person alone and watch carefully for systemic reactions.

Note: If chemical gets into the eyes, the eyes should be flushed with water immediately. Continue to flush the eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical help immediately.

Do Not

DO NOT become contaminated by the chemical as you give first aid.
DO NOT try to neutralize any chemical without consulting the Poison control Center or a physician.
DO NOT disturb a blister or remove dead skin from a chemical burn.
DO NOT apply any household remedy such as an ointment or salve to a chemical burn.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

The person is having difficulty breathing, is having seizures, or is unconscious.

Prevention

Many household products are made of toxic chemicals. It is important to read and follow label instructions, including any precautions.
Avoid, prolonged (even low-level) exposure to chemicals.
Buy potentially poisonous substance in safety containers, and buy only as much as needed.
Never store household products in food or drink containers. Leave them in their original containers with the labels intact.
Avoid using potentially toxic substances in the kitchen or around food.
Store chemicals safely immediately after use.
Avoid mixing different products that contain toxic chemicals such as ammonia and bleach. The mixing can give off hazardous fumes.
Use paints, petroleum products, ammonia, bleach, and other products that give off fumes only in a well ventilated area.
All chemicals should be stored out of the reach of young children--preferably in a locked cabinet.

Review Date:1/17/2007
Reviewed By:Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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