Chemical burns – first aid, symptoms and treatment

Proven content

Chemical burns occur due to skin contact with corrosive chemicals. They cause changes to the skin and mucous membranes that resemble burns caused by heat. In extreme cases, chemical burns lead to limb amputation and even death.

Chemical burns – characteristics

Chemical burns are an unpleasant condition that occurs as a result of contact with the eyes or skin of irritants, e.g. acids (hydrochloric, sulfuric) or alkalis (ammonia), and other corrosive-toxic substances. The latter are especially dangerous because they not only cause skin burns, but can also penetrate the bloodstream, sometimes even resulting in the death of the patient. The degree and extent of the burn depends on the chemical agent, its properties, concentration and the time it is in contact with the skin. In the case of minor chemical burns, promptly implemented first aid favors further prognosis and does not significantly affect the quality of life. However, in the most dangerous cases, it is often necessary to amputate the affected limb.

You often hear about the ingestion of a chemical (especially by unknowing children). In such situations, it should be determined as soon as possible for burns in the patient’s mouth. Then, call for medical help as soon as possible (when the victim is unconscious) or go to the nearest medical center. Note: You must not give the patient anything by mouth on your own.

Causes of chemical burns

As mentioned above, chemical burns are a consequence of contact of acids and bases with the skin. This type of burn can happen anywhere: school, home, work, or any other place where chemicals are present. Most often, burns are caused by:

1. products intended for chlorination of water in swimming pools,
2. cleaning agents,
3. battery acid,
4. ammonia,
5. bleach,
6. preparations intended for teeth whitening,
7. agents used for cleaning dentures.

The greatest risk of chemical burns is seen in infants / children, the disabled and the elderly, who are often not fully aware of and do not know how to properly handle chemicals. People with disabilities have limited mobility, so they often use chemicals without the help of others.

Chemical burns – symptoms

Symptoms of chemical burns and their extent depend on the chemical agent with which the victim has been exposed. It is worth mentioning that burns can have external and internal effects (ingestion of a corrosive substance). Thus, symptoms resulting from ingestion of chemicals will be different from those resulting from skin contact.

Factors influencing the emerging symptoms:

1. amount of chemical agent,
2. the time of contact of the substance with the skin,
3. whether the corrosive agent has been swallowed and got into the respiratory tract,
4. chemical agent concentration,
5. type of substance: liquid, gas, solid,
6. the location of the burn,
7. if the skin had wounds / cuts.

Chemical burns generally cause reddening and irritation of the skin. Wounds and blisters form. Acid burns are characterized by the formation of scabs (depending on the type of acid); hydrochloric acid forms white scabs, while sulfuric acid forms black. Scabs also form after alkali burns, but are white in color, soft and moist.

Other symptoms:

1. numbness and pain at the burn site,
2. changes in vision / visual disturbances and sometimes even loss of vision (when the product comes into the eyes).

In turn, when a chemical is swallowed, it is observed:

1. cough,
2. Heart arythmia,
3. headaches,
4. dizziness,
5. weakness,
6. low pressure,
7. myocardial infarction,
8. muscle tremors.
9. low blood pressure

Suspension with betulin is recommended for burns, which can be used in both XNUMXst degree and XNUMXnd degree burns.

Chemical burns – diagnostics

A diagnosis of a chemical burn should be made as soon as possible. Usually, the diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient’s symptoms and the medical history of the patient or those around him. The specialist makes a diagnosis based on:

1. burn depth,
2. size of the burned area,
3. increased pain in the damaged area,
4. possible symptoms of infection.

In addition, the doctor divides the burns according to their size and depth. Thus, it is distinguished by:

1. superficial burns (damage to the epidermis);
2. intermediate thickness or dermis burns (formerly called second degree burns);
3. deep damage (burn of the subcutaneous tissue).

First aid for chemical burns

The general principle of first aid for chemical burns is to remove the corrosive chemical immediately. The consequences of its actions will be minimal if done within 2 minutes of contamination. First aid consists in washing the burned surface with a stream of water for a few or even several minutes.

For mild burns, we recommend applying MUGGA soothing Balm to bites and burns. It is also worth using Panthen Plus foam for burns or PanTenol foam – panthenol 10% and allantoin, which quickly cool down and soothe skin irritations.

Note:

In people burned with quicklime, remove it from the skin by abrasion, and then rinse with a strong stream of water. The residues of the substance must be neutralized.

1. In case of acid burns – rinse the burned places with alkaline liquids, e.g. 3% baking soda solution, soap solution or lime water.
2. In case of burns with lyes – it is recommended to rinse the burned places with acid solutions, e.g. 1% acetic acid, 1% citric acid or 3% boric acid.
3. After rinsing, apply a sterile, dry dressing to the burned area and contact a doctor as soon as possible.

Considering the severity of the burn, the doctor may institute antibiotic therapy and preparations to alleviate itching. In some cases, a skin graft may be necessary, i.e. inserting a fragment of healthy skin into a burn wound. This is to improve healing. In addition, patients are advised to use special bandages and intravenous fluids.

Patients with severe burns are offered:

1. plastic surgery,
2. psychological care,
3. occupational therapy,
4. graft.

How to prevent chemical burns?

As a rule, chemical burns occur as a result of non-compliance with health and safety rules in the workplace and inappropriate behavior in places where there is contact with chemical substances. The best prevention is to avoid contact with these types of agents. If it is impossible (e.g. due to the nature of the work) – use special gloves, masks and protective clothing. Burns are common in the home too, so be careful when handling solvents, toilet cleaners, and bleach. In addition, care should be taken that the child does not come into contact with these types of products.

In case of burns, it is worth using Panthenol 5% for sun and thermal burns as soon as possible.