Losing your grip on a boiling pot of water isn't the only household hazard that can cause a painful burn. Acid burns, also known as chemical burns, are caused by potent substances often present in the household products you use, such as the sulfuric acid in toilet bowl cleaners. Drain cleaners, stain removers, disinfectants and bleaches can also cause a chemical burn, says the Merck Manual. A minor chemical burn will usually heal with simple at-home care, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Remove
When treating an acid burn or burn from any other sort of chemical, first remove all clothing and jewelry that came into contact with the substance, advises the Mayo Clinic. If treating someone else, avoid coming into contact with it yourself. If the chemical is dry, brush it off. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. If you're not sure whether the chemical is caustic, call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222, the clinic says.
Flush
Acid and other chemicals can continue to inflict damage long after they make contact with the skin. The Merck Manual advises rinsing the burned area of skin under a gentle stream of cool water for at least 30 minutes. After rinsing the burned skin thoroughly, the treatment protocol is the same as it is for a heat burn.
Protect
After rinsing, loosely wrap the burned area of skin with sterile bandages or a clean cloth to protect it from infection. If you or the person you're treating continues to experience pain, gently rinse the burned skin for several more minutes, says the Mayo Clinic. Avoid putting butter or any oily substance on the burn, says the Merck Manual.
Pain
The Mayo Clinic says that you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen. Avoid giving aspirin to children under the age of 2, and don't give it to children or teens with symptoms of chicken pox or the flu.
Observe
Watch the burn carefully for signs of infection. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that these may be increased inflammation, redness, pain or pus oozing from the burn. In the meantime, change the bandage every day using clean hands. Avoid breaking any blisters that might form--let them heal on their own.
Cautions
The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping current on your tetanus shots. If it's been more than five years since you've received a tetanus booster, it may be wise to get one. Never treat an acid burn or other burn that isn't minor in nature. Seek medical treatment if the burn has penetrated the skin and is more than 3 inches in diameter; if it's located in or on the eye, hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint; if pain doesn't go away with drugstore pain relievers; or if symptoms of shock are present.
