Chemicals, such as strong acids or alkalies, burn the skin or eyes on contact. According to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms vary depending on the type of chemical and duration of exposure. Symptoms of a chemical burn include breathing difficulty, bright red skin, convulsions, headache, dizziness and blisters. Burns vary from mild irritations to life-threatening emergencies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Widespread burns covering much of the body often require immediate medical care and long-term treatment.
First Aid
Removing the burning chemicals from the skin is the first line of treatment. Avoid coming into contact with the chemicals while aiding a burn victim. Remove all contaminated clothing and jewelry; use scissors to cut clothing away if necessary. The National Institutes of Health recommends flushing the skin with cool water for about 15 minutes. Always flush eyes so liquids run down the temples and not into the opposite eye. Watch for signs of shock, such as shallow, rapid breathing or pale skin color. Soak wet towels or washcloths in cold water to create a wet compress and apply to the skin for pain relief. A complication of chemical burns is infection. Prevent bacteria and other contaminants from entering the wound area by wrapping in the chemical burn in a sterile dressing. The National Institutes of Health suggests minor burns will heal with first aid treatment; minor burns often resolve in several days to weeks without further care. More severe burns require additional treatment. Always seek medical help if a chemical gets into the eye to avoid severe complications.
Emergency Treatment and Hospitalization
Hospitalization is required if burns are severe and widespread. Seek medical attention if chemical burns affect the hands, feet, groin, face or eyes. The Mayo Clinic advises that second-degree burns take two to three weeks to heal and third-degree burns even longer. Protective dressings and bandages are applied to the skin for protection, pain reduction and to prevent heat and moisture loss through the burn, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chemical burn victims may be hospitalized at specialty burn units or treatment centers.
Long-term Treatment
Extremely severe burns require intense rehabilitation often lasting a year or more, according to the Mayo Clinic. Long-term treatment includes reconstructive surgery. Skin grafting is a surgical procedure in which skin is transplanted from one part of the body to another. The procedure assists in healthy skin regeneration and prevents scarring from occurring. Additional surgery may be required to close chemical burn wounds and remove dead or necrotic tissue. A chemical burn victim may require physical therapy to increase muscle strength and coordination, according to the Mayo Clinic.
