Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are actually burns happened with acids, strong chemicals that damages the skin and lye. Usually, in most of the cases the burns are of first degree. One can see sunburn kind of skin in its initial week. Such cases of minor accidents can happen at workplace, home or even in school.

Chemical burns can occur when certain products are misused. Especially, products for skin, hair or nail. It has been observed that such injuries do happen at home too but there are more chances of such incidents in large chemical plants and manufacturing units.

Some of the most common stuff with which such burns happen is with acids, toilet cleaners, paint removers, lye, primers, dish-wash powders etc. alkalis are more harmful for the skin then acids. In most of the cases face, eye, hands, arms and legs are affected. Moderately smaller accidents just need first aid treatment or outpatient treatment.

Certain scars and damages may appear small but the damage might have been done deep inside the tissues. One can feel irritation and can see redness and pain at the effected area. At later stages one can see blister formation or blackened skin. If the eyes are affected then they may alter the vision or may rupture the eye tissues. These can be followed by dizziness, cough, and alteration in blood pressure, head ache shortness of breath, seizures, and irregular palpitation etc.

Hence care should be taken as they might be unpredictable. Death cases are also registered though such cases are rare. Incase of any chemical burns the following steps has to be taken.

Wash the hands in running water for 15-20 minutes. See that you are not in contact with the chemical. And protect the eyes. Remove clothing or jewelry if any. Cold packs or wet compressors can be applied to reduce the pain. If the victim is in state of shock treat him/her immediately. Cover the affected area with sterile cloth without putting pressure or friction. The first degree burns gets healed with regular ointments. But in case of 2nd or 3rd degree burn, systematic medical intervention is needed.