1. Identify the Substance That Caused the Burn
Medical treatment for chemical scalp burns can vary widely depending on the offending chemical. If you've been burned by a hair-care product such as a dye or a bleaching agent, you can most likely treat the area with the first-aid methods described below. If you've been burned by an unknown or potentially extremely caustic agent (such as a concentrated laboratory acid), you may need immediate medical attention.
2. Apply First Aid and Get Medical Help
Step number one is to prevent further burning. If the chemical is a solid or a dust, brush your scalp off immediately (don't use your fingers, or they can get burned, too.) If it's a liquid, it may be possible to flush it with water or another liquid or to tamp it dry with a drying cloth. Be mindful of potential chemical reactions and side effects. Some chemicals may react with water to release toxic compounds or worsen a burn. Dousing pure sodium with water, for instance, can even start a fire! Protect yourself: read labels to determine reactivity. If that information is not available, wait for emergency personnel.
If you can safely flush the area with water, do so copiously. Remove earrings, hairpins, hats and other items that may have come in contact with the chemical. Pay particular attention to the eyes: you don't want to wash the chemicals off your scalp into your eyes or mouth. Dress the area in loose-fitting, dry bandages and observe. Use appropriate ointments to treat peeling, itching, and blistering.
If you experience any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately: numbness or black skin at the site of the burn, major headache, dizziness or nausea, or changes in vision.
3. After-Care for Chemical Scalp Burns
Serious scalp burns may leave permanent scars, and hair may not grow back normally or may even change color in the area of the burn. There are many cosmetic and medical treatment options. Doctors can physically cut out scar tissue. You can get a hair transplant. You can even dye the hair in the area to match the color of your natural hair. Be careful, though, when using chemicals on an already-burned region of the scalp, since it may be extra sensitive.
