Chemical Burn Treatment

People who work in places where large quantities of chemicals are involved, are more susceptible to injuries leading to chemical burns. Other incidents may occur at home through accidental misuse of products such as those used for hair, nails, skin, etc. A chemical skin burn is usually caused by acids like battery acid, toilet bowel cleaner, artificial nail primers, etc. Alkalies are also responsible for chemical burns. Some examples are paint removers, lime, lye, etc. At times, oxidants such as bleaches, peroxides, chromates, manganates also cause such burns when they come in contact with skin. A chemical burn is not like an ordinary burn, that most people tend to ignore. In some cases, it might turn out to be nasty with serious consequences, unless the burn is mild. However, no matter how harmless looking the burn is, it should be brought to a doctor's attention. Severe cases of such burns affecting the sensitive parts of the body such as the eyes, face, groin and the like, demand immediate medical treatment.

How Can You Treat Chemical Burns
The first step that needs to be taken is to remove the victim from the accident area and also get rid of any clothes that may have come in contact with the chemical causing the burn. Take care not to come in contact with the chemical and if it is dry, then brush off any excess.

Using large volumes of cool running water, wash the skin to flush or remove the substance from the injured area. It is best to keep the injured area under cool, running water for about 20 minutes or more. Ensure not to allow runoff to prevent affecting other parts of the body.

Do not use ice-cold water as it may further damage the skin. Alternatively, it is best to apply the cold compress wrapped in a soft cloth soaked in cold water. Using this method every one hour for the whole day, proves beneficial in the treatment.

If there is any sign of the chemical affecting the eye or the face, then it is best to step into a shower and wash away the substance. Wrap the burned area with a non-sticky gauze or sterilized surgical cotton to dress the wound and protect the area from pressure or friction.

In cases wherein a small area has been injured and there are no signs of any blisters, then simple treatment methods may help the wound heal without further professional attention and care. However, if you notice any signs of blisters that have covered more than 3 inches (in diameter) of the skin, then it's time to call for immediate medical help. Any occurrence of unusual symptoms also requires medical help.

Medical Treatment
In extreme cases, the blood pressure and the heart rate of the victim may be affected to a critical extent. So IV (intravenous fluids) is administered to normalize the disturbed functions of the body. IV process may also be required to administer certain medicines so as to prevent any infection or to reduce pain.

If the chemical has affected the body to a large extent, then the person may be given dosages of antidote (when and if needed). The wounds should be cleaned with creams and treated with sterile wraps.

During the recuperation from the chemical burn, drinking plenty of water and fluids will help keeping the body well hydrated. This helps in a speedy recovery. Increased consumption of protein-rich foods such as nuts, beans, eggs and dairy products in the diet also help in the healing process. Apart from these foods, those rich in Vitamin C also prove beneficial in facilitating the treatment of chemical burn.