Acid Etch Spill on Skin: Immediate First Aid, Neutralization & Medical Follow-Up

Dental/industrial acid etch (typically 30–40% phosphoric acid or hydrofluoric acid) causes chemical burns. Act fast.

Immediate Steps

1. Flush Immediately: Copious cool water ≥15 minutes (shower/eyewash). Remove contaminated clothing/jewelry while flushing.
2. Neutralize (Phosphoric Acid): Apply 2–3% sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) slurry or paste. Fizzing = reaction. Rinse again.
3. Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) — SPECIAL:
   • Flush 5 min, then apply calcium gluconate 2.5% gel (massage in) — binds fluoride ions.
   • Seek ED immediately — HF causes deep tissue necrosis, hypocalcemia, cardiac arrhythmia.
   • Do NOT use bicarbonate for HF (forms insoluble CaF2).
4. Post-Rinse Care: Gentle soap/water, pat dry, sterile non-adherent dressing.
5. Pain Control: Cool compress, OTC analgesics.

When to Seek Emergency Care

• HF exposure (any amount).
• Burn >1% BSA, circumferential, face/hands/genitals/joints.
• Deep tissue involvement (whitening, anesthesia).
• Signs of systemic toxicity.

Bring SDS (Safety Data Sheet) to ED. Employers: OSHA requires eyewash/shower within 10 sec/55 ft of corrosives.