First Aid Rash Chemical and Acid Burns By Christina Donnelly linkedin Christina Donnelly is a freelance writer and editor who has extensively covered health and science content. She currently works at Anthem Health as a content lead. Learn about our editorial process Christina Donnelly Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD on September 06, 2018 Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology. He is a clinical professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and co-founder and practicing dermatologist at the Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Colorado. His research has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Learn about our Medical Review Board Casey Gallagher, MD Updated on November 18, 2019 Print Table of Contents View All Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Chemical burns—otherwise known as caustic burns—occur when the skin comes into contact with an acid, base, alkali, detergent, or solvent, or the fumes produced by these corrosive materials. They most commonly affect the eyes, face, arms, and legs, but can cause serious damage to the mouth and throat if a corrosive material is ingested. Fortunately, most chemical burns don’t do major damage to the skin. In fact, many are caused by common household or workplace materials and can be treated in outpatient settings—only about 5 percent of patients seeking emergency medical care for a chemical burn are admitted to the hospital. Highly caustic materials, however, can hurt deep layers of tissue, and the damage isn’t always immediately apparent. Because the materials that cause chemical burns are so prevalent in homes, schools, and workplaces, it’s important to know what to do if you, a loved one, or a coworker come into contact with caustic materials. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Symptoms of Chemical Burns The symptoms of a chemical burn depend on a few basic but important factors: What substance caused the chemical burnWhere the substance came into contact with living tissueHow long the tissue was exposed to the corrosive substanceWhether the substance was inhaled or ingested Household bleach coming into contact with your skin, for example, will have a much different effect than bleach coming into contact with your eyes. Although symptoms can vary widely, common signs and symptoms of a chemical burn include: Pain, redness, irritation, burning, or numbness at the site of contactThe development of blisters or dead, blackened skin at the site of contactBlurry vision or total loss of vision if the materials came into contact with the eyesCoughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath if the substance was inhaled or ingested In very severe chemical burns or if a corrosive substance was swallowed, you may experience symptoms like: Weakness, dizziness, or faintingHeadacheMuscle spasms or seizuresLow blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or even cardiac arrest If you, a loved one, or a coworker comes into contact with a corrosive substance, seek medical care immediately. Even if the exposure seems minor—if a household cleaner splashes on your arms, for example—it’s a good idea to call your doctor or Poison Control Center to determine whether emergency treatment is needed. If the caustic substance is ingested or if the chemical burn is very deep, more than 3 inches in diameter, or affects the eyes, face, groin, buttocks, or a joint, seek emergency medical care. Causes Chemical burns are most commonly caused by exposure to acids or bases in the home, workplace, or at school—they can occur in any place where caustic and corrosive materials are handled. Chemical burns can affect anyone, but people who work in manufacturing facilities, children, and older adults are at the highest risk of injury. Some common products that can cause chemical burns include: Everyday household cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and drain or toilet cleanersSkin, hair, and nail care products, and teeth whitening kitsCar batteriesPool chlorine and pool cleaning systems If possible, read the warnings and medical information on the labels of corrosive products before handling. In many cases, consumer education and proper use can prevent a serious medical emergency. Although most chemical burns are caused by the accidental misuse of a corrosive substance, they can also be used in assaults. Worldwide, attacks with caustic materials are more likely to occur against women. Caustic Products to Protect Your Children From Diagnosis Like symptoms of a chemical burn, diagnoses can vary widely. Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam to assess the immediate tissue damage caused by the chemical burn, and ask a series of questions to assess any potential damage. Be sure to tell your doctor about the substance that caused the chemical burn, how long it was in contact with the skin, and the affected body parts. If you have a severe chemical burn, your doctor may conduct a blood test to determine whether or not hospitalization is required. After a physical exam and interview, the chemical burn will be categorized as: A First-Degree or Superficial Burn: These types of burns affect only the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin. Minor discoloration of the skin is a common symptom of a first-degree burn.A Second-Degree or Partial Thickness Burn: Affecting the epidermis and dermis (second) layers of the skin, these burns can be very red, inflamed, and painful, and can blister.A Third-Degree or Full-Thickness Burn: The most severe, these burns cause extensive damage to the epidermis and dermis, as well as bones, tendons, muscles, and nerve endings. Your doctor or healthcare provider will recommend treatment options based on the category of your chemical burns. Treatment of Chemical and Acid Burns Typically, chemical burns do not require hospitalization or specialized treatment. For a minor chemical burn, basic first aid can alleviate pain and reduce tissue damage. When treating a minor chemical burn, be sure to: Remove yourself, your loved one, or your coworker from the accident area.Remove any contaminated clothing.Flush the affected tissue with water for at least 20 minutes.Remove any foreign objects from the affected area, especially the eyes. After first aid has been administered, most people with chemical burns simply need to talk to their doctor about follow-up care. If you or the person affected by a chemical burn begins to experience dizziness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Some treatments for serious chemical burns include: IV fluids to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, or IV medications or antibiotics to treat pain or prevent infectionAntidotes to counteract the effects of the caustic substanceProfessional cleaning and bandagingPain management through an IV or other pain medicationsA tetanus booster to prevent bacterial infections Chemical burns rarely result in death, but it’s important to take the steps necessary to avoid infection and protect and heal damaged tissues. If you’ve been treated for a chemical burn, be sure to arrange follow-up care with your doctor or healthcare provider within 24 hours of sustaining the injury. How to Treat a Minor Burn at Home With Natural Remedies A Word From Verywell Chemical and acid burns can be painful, but the good news is that most can be treated with basic first aid and follow-up care. Whenever you’re handling corrosive or caustic substances, be sure to read any warning labels and use extra care to avoid contact with your skin, eyes, or mouth. Oftentimes, proper consumer education can prevent serious medical emergencies. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Chemical Burns. Robert D Cox, MD, PhD. Medscape.com. Burns. Johns Hopkins Medical Library. Chemical Burns: First Aid. Mayo Clinic.