Acid Burn Treatment: Understanding Severity & Care

A burn caused by a chemical, also known as an acid burn, can be very painful. Treatment depends primarily on the severity of the burn, and although the treatment methods are similar for burns caused by other substances, there are a few caveats that must be followed.

Causes

• Substances deemed hazardous that can cause acid, or chemical, burns include hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid, lye, mercury and lime.

Initial Treatment

• Like most typical first and second degree burns, the first thing you should do with chemical burn is flush it clean with ample amounts of cool or cold water. This will help clean off the chemical causing the burn and provide a modicum of temporary comfort.

Secondary Treatment

• According to the Mayo Cliniic, immediately after rinsing off the burn you should remove any jewelry and wrap the affected area in clean, dry gauze. Depending on the severity of the burn, you may also want to consult a doctor. You can also take an over-the-counter pain killer such as ibuprofen or naproxen to help with the pain.

Treatment Differences

• Unlike burns caused by fire or hot surfaces, Family Doctor recommends that you do not use any antibiotic or soothing ointments on an acid burn, as the chemicals in these products could react negatively with the chemical that caused the burn.

Follow-Up Care

• After a serious acid burn of the skin, the Mayo Clinic recommends you receive a tetanus shot. The burns should be kept clean as they heal, and you should replace the bandaging often while it does.