1. Flush and Clean the Affected Area
Battery acid is often super-concentrated and can have a pH of 2.0 or lower, so it's critical to use a copious amount of water to flush the affected burn region and dilute the chemical reactivity of the acid. Ues plenty of water. If you spritz just a small amount of water on the burn, that can actually make the situation worse by spreading the acid around without reducing its potency. You can use a mild alkaline solution to neutralize acid that may have spilled onto clothing. But this "fighting chemicals with chemicals" approach isn't always the answer, particularly when you're dealing with a super-concentrated chemical burn.
In addition to flushing the area with cold water, remove any contaminated clothing, dirt, or debris from the wound.
2. Dress and Treat the Wound
Assuming the battery acid burn is minor (first degree or easy-to-treat second degree), you can handle first aid on site. Once the acid has been sufficiently diluted and washed away, wrap the burn in a sterile, loose-fitting bandage. Be aware that certain bandages can stick to burn wounds and use only a dry dressing. Unless contraindicated, take an anti-inflammatory drug to help with both swelling and pain. You can use an ointment to soothe symptoms. Zinc balm works well. Watch for signs of shock and treat accordingly.
Pay attention to the area in the coming days. If you notice that it's becoming infected, you may need to take an antibiotic. If the burn area does not heal, or if it leads to major blistering and/or any kind of all-over body reaction, it may behoove you to seek medical help.
3. Get Medical Attention If Necessary
In the immediate aftermath of the burn, keep the area flushed with water until the paramedics arrive. Watch for (and treat as necessary) other conditions, such as weakness, nausea, shortness of breath, and cardiac or blood pressure problems. Assign someone to monitor the burn victim and communicate with the paramedics. Try to avoid spreading the acid to other parts of the body, particularly the eyes.
