First Aid & Emergencies

Chemical Burn Treatment

Call 911

1. Protect Yourself

• Put on gloves or apron, if possible.

• Avoid exposing yourself to chemicals.

2. Rinse and Clear Burn Area

• Flood area with cool water for at least 20 minutes or until help arrives.

• Make sure water doesn't flow onto another part of the person's body or onto you.

• Don't use a strong stream of water, if possible.

• As you flush burn (not before), remove jewelry or articles of clothing with chemical on them, unless they're stuck to the person's body.

• After flushing the burn, follow instructions on the label of the chemical product, if available.

• Don't try to neutralize the burn with acid or alkali. This could cause a chemical reaction that would worsen the burn.

• Don't put antibiotic ointment on the burn.

3. Cover a Small Burn Area

• You can wrap a small burn with dry, sterile gauze or clean cloth.