Acid burns are caused by various acid-based products. The common acid products consist of battery acid, toilet cleaners and chemicals utilized in various industries for.
Both acid solids and liquids can result to injury depending on the type, strength and length of time the acid is in contact with the body. Remember that the damage is usually limited to the area of contact and does not cause extensive damage in the tissue.
What to do for chemical acid burns?
When chemical acid burns occur, determine the chemical responsible for the burn. Call the local poison control for more information on how to manage the burn and make sure that the chemical container is with you so that you can read the contents.
In most cases of chemical burns, the initial treatment is to rinse or flush the chemical off the body using large amounts of cool water, but not all chemicals are managed in this manner. It is vital to treat the acid burns properly to avoid further complications.
Chemical acid burns rinsed using water
- Immediately flush using large amounts of cool water. Rinsing within a minute after the burn is sustained can minimize the risk for complications.
- Flush the area for at least 20 minutes.
- Avoid using a hard spray of water since it can impair the burned area.
- If the individual is able, instruct him/her to remove the chemical substance.
- Wear gloves for protection against the chemical if you need to remove it.
- While flushing the area, remove any clothing or jewelry with the chemical on it.
- If there is still a burning sensation in the area after 20 minutes, flush again using flowing water for 10-15 minutes.
Chemical acid burns not rinsed using water
In some cases of acid burns, they are aggravated if rinsed with water.
- Carbolic acid or phenol do not readily combine with water. You should utilize alcohol first to rinse out the chemical from the skin and douse with water. In case alcohol is not on hand, flush using large amounts of water. Avoid flushing the eye with alcohol.
- Sulfuric acid should be rinsed with a mild, foamy solution if the burn is not severe. This acid feels warm if water is added but it is best to rinse the area and not to leave the acid on the skin.
- Hydrofluoric acid is flushed using bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) solution. Flush the area with a large amount of water. These acid burns might not show at first so you should flush the area even if the burn is not evident. Avoid flushing the eye with a baking soda solution.
- Metal compounds that are covered with mineral oil.
Make sure that chemicals that enter the eye should be immediately flushed out using large amounts of water to minimize the chance of serious eye injury.
More Information / Disclaimer
The information posted on this page on eye burns is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize and manage eye burns by taking a standard first aid course with Saskatoon First Aid.