Chemical burns occur when skin contacts corrosive substances such as strong acids (sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid) or alkalis (caustic soda, industrial cleaning agents). Unlike thermal burns, the chemical continues destroying tissue as long as it remains on the skin, making rapid removal more important than cooling.
How to Handle Chemical Burns:
- Wear protective gloves before touching the injured person to protect yourself from the chemical.
- Remove contaminated clothing immediately and with extreme caution.
- Wash the area with large amounts of running water for at least 20-30 minutes. Do not use neutralizing solutions.
- Do not wash dry chemicals with water directly — brush them off first with a dry brush, then rinse with water.
- Keep the chemical container or photograph its name to inform the doctor.
Chemical burns may appear minor initially but deepen over time. At BEIT TARIQ Center, we have specialized British protocols for handling every type of chemical agent. Do not wait — visit us immediately even if the burn seems minor.