Chemical burns can cause irreparable harm to human health.

Therefore, it is very important to be able to provide first aid to the victim. In most cases, the degree of damage and the consequences of the burn will depend on this.

It is important to understand the significant difference between chemical and thermal burns. For burns caused by chemical reagents, it is necessary to clearly know the antidotes that neutralize the effects of a particular chemical reagent. What to do in case of a chemical burn? How to treat a chemical burn? Is it possible to treat a chemical burn at home? Let's talk about everything in order - in this collection of material.

Chemical skin burn: features, symptoms, diagnosis

A chemical burn is a violation of the integrity of the tissues of the human body under the influence of chemical agents.

This type of burn often becomes more dangerous than a thermal burn. This is due to the type of aggressive chemical substance and the duration of action of the reagent. The process of cell destruction and chemical absorption may continue even after the chemical component is eliminated, which often makes it difficult to determine the extent of the damage in a timely manner.

Chemical burns occur as a result of non-compliance with safety regulations when working with chemicals or in accidents at home (intentionally or through negligence).

The external symptoms of chemical burns differ depending on the action of the chemical. Most often, acidic or alkaline drugs become the source of damage.

• When skin is exposed to alkali , the resulting scab is looser, with blurred boundaries. Alkaline liquids are able to penetrate deeper into the skin than acids, causing more extensive damage to soft tissues.
• When skin is exposed to acid , A dense, dry crust (scab) with clear contours forms at the site of the lesion.

Burns caused by exposure to chemical acids are mostly superficial. The name of the affected acid can be determined by the color of the affected skin.

• Upon contact with sulfuric acid, the skin first becomes white, then turns gray. With prolonged contact, the burn becomes darker, browner.
• Effect on skin nitric acid leads to a change in the skin to a yellow-green or brown-yellow color (depending on the duration of contact).
• After exposure of hydrochloric acid , the skin turns noticeably yellow.
• Burn caused acetic acid, becomes dark brown in color.
• Carboxylic acid causes whitening of the damaged skin area, which over time changes to a brown color.

The degree of damage can be diagnosed as accurately as possible only after a few days (when the scab area begins to suppurate). The longer the effect of chemical components on body tissue and the larger the affected area, the more dangerous the burn is for human health and life. Therefore, in case of chemical burns, it is very important to provide first aid to the victim, and then immediately seek qualified medical assistance.

It is in the hospital that, based on the nature of the existing injuries, the depth of penetration, the concentration of the chemical reagent and the duration of its exposure, the degree of the resulting chemical burn will be determined and treatment will be prescribed.

No less dangerous is the general toxic poisoning of the body by an aggressive chemical component. That is why it is sometimes so difficult to diagnose from an area of ​​damaged skin all the negative effects of the reagent on the human body and possible consequences.

In addition to skin damage, chemical burns can damage the eyes or internal organs, in particular the gastrointestinal tract. Areas of the body with thin skin (face, skin folds, genital area) are more affected, since the thickness of the epidermis there is the smallest.

Degrees of chemical burns

There are 4 main degrees of chemical burns.

• Idegree

Only the top layer of skin is affected, and there is slight swelling and redness of the area. The burn is accompanied by moderate pain; treatment is carried out at home.

• IIdegree

With a second degree burn, not only the top layer of the skin is damaged, but also the lower tissues. The burn is accompanied by swelling, redness and the appearance of blisters with clear serous fluid. The level of pain and sensitivity becomes higher than in the first degree, but with a small burn area, the patient does not need hospitalization.

• IIIdegree

There is deep tissue damage and necrosis, right down to the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Small blisters with cloudy liquid, sometimes with blood, appear at the damaged area. The sensitivity of the skin is significantly reduced and the patient practically does not feel pain at the burn site. The victim needs hospitalization, since spontaneous healing of the wound often becomes impossible.

• IVdegree

The most dangerous degree, in which not only skin and muscle tissues, but also tendons and bones are deeply affected. Surgical care is provided in an inpatient hospital setting.

Rules for the treatment of chemical burns

There are a number of rules, the use of which in emergency situations will help to significantly alleviate the condition of the victim and reduce the effect of the reagent on the body.

• First aid for chemical burns should be provided without delay or fuss. You need to act calmly and judiciously. How well and correctly first aid is provided to the victim will determine the success of further treatment.
• It is especially important to know the rules of providing first aid to people working with chemicals. Indeed, in such situations, the risks of getting a chemical injury are much greater.

• Knowledge of the basic antidotes listed below will help to quickly neutralize the active substance.
• After receiving first aid, the patient must consult a doctor to eliminate possible negative consequences after a burn.
• The main rule of first aid is not to harm the victim.
• The key rules for treating chemical burns, in addition to providing qualified first aid to the victim, boil down to drying the wound, treating it with antiseptics (to prevent suppuration) and using drugs that improve blood circulation and tissue regeneration processes.

First aid for a chemical burn

First aid for chemical burns can radically change the subsequent treatment process, both for the better and for the worse. Therefore, before providing assistance to the victim, you need to be 100% confident in your knowledge so as not to harm the injured person.

• First of all, in case of a chemical burn, it is important to stop the action of the chemical agent. Therefore, if the substance gets on clothing, it must be removed or cut immediately.
• If there are remnants of powdered chemicals on the skin, they are first shaken off the skin and only then the remnants are washed off.
• The damaged area of ​​the skin is thoroughly washed with running water, thereby reducing the concentration of the chemical, the depth of its penetration, cooling the skin and reducing pain. The wound should be washed for 10 to 30 minutes.

The exception is burns caused by alkali, quicklime, and organoaluminum compounds!

• If the burn is caused by acid, affected area of ​​skin washed with 1-2% soda solution, and then apply a tampon soaked in ammonia solution(alcohol is diluted with water). You cannot “extinguish” a burn with an alkali solution - this will lead to a new burn, only one already caused by the alkali. The action of dilute acid is more dangerous than concentrated acid. This is due to the fact that highly concentrated acid instantly causes protein coagulation, forming a dense scab, preventing the burn from deepening. Exposure of the skin to highly toxic hydrofluoric acid, used, for example, for etching glass, is especially dangerous.
• Alkali burn dangerous due to its rapid penetration deep into tissues. Such a burn Do not immediately rinse with water. The hydroxyl group of the alkali under the influence of water will contribute to deeper penetration of the chemical into human tissue. Affected area of ​​skin washed with 1-2% solution of acetic or citric acid(not concentrated).
• Burn caused by quicklime Also cannot be treated with water, since the interaction produces slaked lime (a strong base). In this situation, it is better to lubricate the burn site with fat and consult a doctor.
• Burn caused by pesticides and herbicides, process ethyl alcohol or gasoline. After providing first aid, the victim should be taken to the hospital for administration of an antidote.
• Burn area caused by phosphorus, immerse completely in water to prevent spontaneous combustion of the reagent. After this, having removed the phosphorus particles present on the skin, apply a bandage soaked in a weak solution. potassium permanganate.

• Phenolic burn neutralized by solution alcohol or vodka.

• After washing and neutralizing the chemical reagent, apply to the burn site sterile dry dressing.

Cotton wool cannot be used for bandaging!

• In case of severe pain, the patient can be given painkiller medicine.
• Before the ambulance arrives, the victim needs to drink as much liquid as possible (for example, tea or mineral water).

Treatment of chemical burns

• The main rule for treating chemical burns, including at home, is to use medications only after consultation and examination by a doctor. For safety and positive effect, you should not self-medicate, risking your health and life.
• To treat chemical burns to the skin, it is recommended to lubricate the affected area with special medicinal ointments ( Fusiderm, Solcoseryl). Burns caused by chemicals require subsequent cell regeneration and blood supply, which is what the action of the above ointments is aimed at.
• Such products also have an excellent restorative, disinfecting, healing and drying effect. drugs, such as Bepanten, Panthenol, ichthyol ointment, sea buckthorn oil.
• Alcohol-free iodine or preparations containing silver have an antiseptic, disinfectant, drying and analgesic effect.
• There are also folk recipes, promoting wound healing after thermal and chemical burns. These include compresses based on medicinal herbs: chamomile, oak bark, hop cones. Having prepared decoctions of these herbs, take a sterile bandage, moisten it and apply it to the wound for 15 minutes. You can prepare a medicinal ointment based on aloe leaves. To do this, take 2-3 aloe leaves, wash them, cut off the thorns and grind them into a “gruel”. Melted fat (pork or interior fat) is added to this mass; after cooling, the ointment is ready for use. It is still better to discuss the use of traditional recipes with your doctor.

Xchemical burneyes

Chemical burns of the eye are one of the most difficult aspects from the point of view of treatment in ophthalmology. The danger of such burns is the possible weakening or complete loss of vision. This directly depends on the degree of damage, the depth of penetration and, directly, the type of chemical reagent that gets into the eye.

• In practice, a chemical burn of the eye with acid is considered less difficult than contact with an alkaline solution. This is explained by the fact that acids provoke instant coagulation of proteins and, therefore, not deep penetration of the reagent. The exceptions are nitric, sulfuric, and hydrofluoric acids. If alkali gets into the eye, the reagent destroys cells and can lead to tissue necrosis.
• Providing first aid for chemical burns of the eye comes down to copious rinsing of the eye and calling an ambulance. It is impossible to provide qualified assistance for such lesions at home.

Xchemical burn of the mouth or esophagus

• This type of burn is one of the most difficult to treat and restore.
• In such situations, it is impossible to provide first aid by neutralizing the chemical agent. Only if we are talking about a chemical burn of the oral cavity, you can try to rinse the oral mucosa with water before the ambulance arrives (if this is allowed by the type of chemical involved).
• The main task of providing first aid for burns of the digestive system is to urgently call an ambulance.

Xfacial burn

• The skin of the face is thin and sensitive, and with severe chemical burns, the chemical reagent can disrupt the regenerative function of skin cells, which leads to the formation of scar tissue. From an aesthetic point of view, such “marks” on the face disfigure a person’s appearance and give rise to psychological problems. From a medical point of view, rough scars disrupt the motor and excretory functions of the skin.

• Nowadays, such a cosmetic procedure as peeling with fruit acids has become popular. If the dosage and concentration of the acid solution is incorrect, a shallow first-degree chemical burn may also occur. Such a cosmetic burn often requires a subsequent rather long course of treatment.

Thus, chemical burns pose a serious danger to human health and life, and therefore require qualified medical treatment. But, having information about the characteristics of different types of burns and their treatment, you can provide first aid to the victim in a timely manner. Correct and timely actions before the ambulance arrives can significantly alleviate the patient’s condition and contribute to his speedy recovery.

Chemical burn, photo

Video: “First aid for a chemical burn”

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Chemical burns: causes of their occurrence, signs and symptoms, first aid measures and complex therapy
Almost all chemicals are endowed with the necessary strength, which can have a destructive effect on the tissues of the human body. Alkalis and concentrated acids are especially strong in this regard. As soon as they begin to affect the human body, they immediately arise chemical burns. First aid for such burns, it involves, first of all, thoroughly washing the affected area with running water, since this is the only way to get rid of the aggressive component. After this, it is recommended to apply a sterile bandage to the affected area. If a chemical component gets into the eyes or a person swallows it, then the first thing you should do is rinse the eye or stomach, and then consult an emergency physician.

Chemical burn is tissue damage resulting from exposure to salts of heavy metals, acids, caustic liquids, alkalis or any other chemically active components. These types of burns occur as a result of safety violations, domestic accidents, secondary injuries or suicide attempts. There are other factors that contribute to their development. The severity, as well as the depth of such burns, directly depends on the following factors:

• concentration and amount of chemical
• mechanism of action and strength of the chemical
• degree of penetration and duration of exposure to the chemical

According to the depth and severity of tissue damage, four degrees of chemical burns are distinguished

First degree (damage to the upper layer of the skin, epidermis). In this case, there is slight swelling, redness, and mild pain at the site of the lesion.

Second degree (damage to the deeper layers of the skin). In this case, redness and swelling occur, as well as blisters filled with clear liquid.

Third degree (damage to the deeper layers of the skin, reaching the subcutaneous adipose tissue) is accompanied by the appearance of blisters that are filled with cloudy liquid or bloody contents. In this case, there is a violation of sensitivity, that is, the person does not experience pain in the affected area.

Fourth degree (damage to all tissues: skin, muscles, tendons).

In most cases, chemical burns occur third And fourth degrees.

If the burn occurs under the influence of alkalis and acids, then a so-called scab or crust appears at the site of the lesion. The crust that appears after exposure to alkalis is loose, whitish, soft and does not stand out among the whole tissue by any boundaries. If we compare alkaline liquids with acidic liquids, it is immediately worth noting that the former tend to penetrate much deeper into the tissue, therefore, they cause more significant harm.

In case of acid burns the crust is hard and dry. In addition, it has clearly defined boundaries that distinguish it from healthy areas of the skin. Plus, acid burns are most often superficial.
Color of the affected area skin in the case of a chemical burn is determined by the type of chemical substance. If the skin is exposed to sulfuric acid, then it initially turns white, and only then turns brown or gray. If the skin has been burned with nitric acid, then the affected area becomes yellow-brown or light yellow-green. Hydrochloric acid tends to leave yellowish burns, but acetic acid tends to leave a dirty white color. When burned with carbolic acid, the affected area first turns white and then brown. In the case of a burn with concentrated hydrogen peroxide, the affected area becomes gray.

It should be noted that the skin tissue continues to deteriorate even after the chemical component ceases to come into contact with it, and all because the process of absorption of the chemical substance in this case does not stop immediately. As a result, it is simply impossible to establish the exact degree of the burn during the first hours or days after the incident. It will be possible to make an accurate diagnosis only after seven to ten days, namely when the process of suppuration of the resulting crust begins. The danger and severity of this type of burn is determined by both its area and depth. The larger the affected area, the more dangerous the burn is for the patient’s life.

First aid for chemical burns of the skin

First aid in such cases involves: removing the chemical component from the affected area as quickly as possible, reducing the concentration of its residues on the skin by thoroughly rinsing with water, as well as cooling the affected area in order to reduce pain.

In case of a chemical burn to the skin, the following measures should be taken:

• You should immediately remove clothing or jewelry that contains chemical components.
• To get rid of the causes of the burn, it is necessary to wash off the chemicals from the skin, while holding the affected area under cold running water for at least a quarter of an hour. If it was not possible to rinse the affected area in a timely manner, then the rinsing time is increased to thirty to forty minutes. You should not try to get rid of chemicals using tampons or napkins moistened with water, as this will allow them to penetrate even more deeply into the skin. If the chemical component is in powder form, then first you need to remove its residue from the skin and only then begin to wash the affected area. Exceptions to the rules are cases when there is a categorical contraindication for the interaction of a chemical component with water. This applies, for example, to aluminum, since organic compounds of this substance tend to ignite upon contact with water.
• If after the first rinse a person begins to experience an even stronger burning sensation, then it is recommended to rinse the affected area again with running water for five to six minutes.
• As soon as the affected area is washed, you should proceed to neutralize the chemical components. In case of an acid burn, you should use soapy water or a two percent solution of baking soda. This solution is easy to prepare: take two and a half glasses of water and dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in it. In case of an alkali burn, a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid will come to the rescue. The chemical components of lime can be neutralized with a two percent sugar solution. Carbolic acid can be neutralized with milk of lime and glycerin.
• You can reduce pain by applying a cold, damp cloth or towel to the affected area.
• After this, apply a loose bandage made of clean dry cloth or a dry sterile bandage to the affected surface.

If the burn is not severe, then it will heal without any medications.

For a chemical burn, immediate medical attention is needed in the following cases:

• If a person experiences signs of shock such as pale skin, loss of consciousness, and shallow breathing.
• If the diameter of the burn is more than seven and a half centimeters, and it has also penetrated deeper than the first layer of skin.
• Chemical damage affected the groin area, legs, eyes, buttocks, face, arms or large joints, as well as the esophagus and oral cavity.
• A person experiences very strong pain that cannot be relieved with painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

If you decide to get specialist advice, then do not forget to take with you the container with the chemical that caused the burn, or its detailed description. This will make it possible to neutralize it much faster, which sometimes cannot be done under normal home conditions.

Chemical burns to the eyes

Chemical burns to the eyes are the result of lime, acids, ammonia, alkalis or other chemical components entering this area at work or at home. In fact, burns in this area are extremely dangerous, which is why they require timely consultation with a medical specialist. The severity of chemical eye burns is determined by the concentration, temperature, chemical composition, and the amount of the substance that caused the burn. In addition, the general reactivity of the patient’s body, the condition of his eyes, as well as the quality and timeliness of first aid are also taken into account. In most cases, with such burns, the patient experiences the following subjective sensations: lacrimation, fear of light, cutting pain in the eye area. In very severe cases, the patient may lose vision completely. We note right away that with such burns, not only the eyes are affected, but also the skin around them. It is very important to provide first aid to a person in a timely manner. First of all, he needs to rinse his eyes with plenty of running water as quickly as possible. Open your eyelids and rinse your eyes for ten to fifteen minutes. In this case, water is the main neutralizer of chemical components. If the burn is a consequence of exposure to alkali, then milk can be used instead of water. As soon as the eye is thoroughly washed, take a piece of gauze or bandage and apply a dry bandage. As soon as this is done, immediately take the patient to the doctor.

Chemical burns of the stomach and esophagus

Chemical burns of both the stomach and esophagus are the result of intentional or accidental ingestion of alkalis such as ammonia or concentrated acids such as battery electrolyte or vinegar essence. Obvious signs of such burns include very severe pain in the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach. If the larynx is also affected, then the patient begins to experience a lack of air. In addition, vomiting, containing bloody mucus and pieces of burnt mucous membrane, makes itself felt. Since this type of burn spreads very quickly, the patient needs immediate first aid, which first includes gastric lavage. It can be washed with a solution of baking soda if we are talking about a burn with acids, or with a weak solution of acetic acid if we are talking about a burn with alkalis. In this case, a person needs to be given not just a large, but a really huge amount of liquid to drink, which will make it possible to completely get rid of the chemical component. In case of such burns, you should call emergency doctors as soon as possible or take the patient to the hospital yourself.

Chemical burns are damage to the skin using various chemicals. Statistics show that most often burns of this type affect the upper and lower extremities, body and head. Less common are injuries to the respiratory system or digestive tract. First aid for a chemical burn is very important; it should consist of complete regeneration of the pH level of the skin.

Types of damage

You can get such an injury for several reasons; they determine what to do in case of a chemical burn in the future and how exactly the first aid will be provided. may be a consequence of skin interaction with:

• salts of heavy metals;
• various acids;
• alkalis;
• all kinds of active chemicals.

To determine what exactly caused the damage, you need to pay attention to its external signs. During acid burns, the damaged area becomes covered with a white crust. After some time it turns brown or black. In case of a chemical burn of the skin with hydrochloric acid, the skin turns yellow; in case of injury with nitrogen, the color of the skin becomes yellow and acquires a brown or greenish tint. The skin's reaction to alkalis is manifested by the formation of a moist or gelatinous crust. If the injured area becomes infected, the skin becomes tight and dry after a few days. During an alkaline burn, fats are saponified and proteins are dissolved. This causes the formation of such a wound.

Providing first aid for chemical burns also depends on the severity of the injury.

There are four main types of gravity
The first degree is an injury, which is accompanied by the formation of swelling and redness of the skin. If the damage occurs as a result of interaction with acids, then the skin becomes covered with thin dried crusts. If the injury is caused by alkalis, then the skin forms after some time, and it is moist. The damaged area does not lose its sensitivity and is completely restored after a week.
In the case of the second degree of severity, the damage is deeper. Symptoms of this type of injury include redness and the formation of thin layers of necrosis. As a result of thermochemical damage, blisters may occur. Often, second degree burns do not recover.
Third degree injury causes multiple layers of skin to die. The skin wrinkles and changes its appearance, and in the area of ​​necrosis that occurs, the skin swells.
The most severe degree is considered to be the fourth. It is characterized by the death and destruction of all soft tissues (bones, muscles, blood vessels, etc.).

Urgent Care

At home, first aid for chemical burns must be provided in the correct order. If everything is done according to special rules, then further treatment results will be as positive as possible.

The initial first aid actions for a chemical skin burn should be removing clothing and other items from the body that have come into contact with the aggressive substance. Next, you need to rinse the damaged area under cool water for 20 minutes. If the washing was not timely, then its duration should be increased to 35-40 minutes. Under no circumstances try to remove the chemical using napkins or cotton wool, this procedure will cause even more harm.

If the injury occurred as a result of exposure of the skin to a powdered chemical, then first aid for such a chemical burn should consist of removing the substance from the wounded area, because some powdered chemicals. substances react with water and ignite, leading to vaporization or boiling.

Next, you need to secure the remaining chemicals in the wound. If the damage was caused by acids coming into contact with the human skin, the wound is washed with a two percent solution of baking soda or soap and water. In the event that the cause of the injury was the interaction of alkalis with the skin, treatment must be carried out using acetic or citric acid.

When providing first aid and suppressing the reaction of carboxylic acids, you can use fermented milk products or drugs containing glycerin, and chemicals. lime substances - a two percent solution of granulated sugar.

If the victim complains of severe pain, then one of the stages of emergency care should be taking a painkiller.

After first aid is provided for chemical burns, it is necessary to protect the area of ​​the injured skin from all kinds of infections. A gauze bandage is applied to the affected area (using cotton wool is strictly prohibited). The following actions should be carried out by doctors, whom it is advisable to contact if any injury of this type occurs.

Signs that require emergency medical attention:

• the victim faints, breathing becomes impaired and the skin color changes;
• aggressive substances enter the eyes, mouth or digestive tract;
• the burn area is quite large;
• pain does not disappear after taking an anesthetic;
• the wounds are deep and their area exceeds 10 cm.

Eye burn

Signs that determine:

• fear of light;
• excessive production of tears;
• cutting pain in this area;
• redness.

If you do not seek help from specialists in a timely manner, there is a chance of permanently losing your vision.

Providing first aid in this case should be as fast and high-quality as possible. The eyes are rinsed under running water for about twenty minutes; if the damage occurs due to interaction with alkalis, then milk can be used for the rinsing procedure. After this, urgently call an ambulance team, which will take all necessary measures to prevent all possible consequences.

Damage to the digestive tract

The following symptoms characterize:

• sharp pain;
• burning in the esophagus and stomach;
• severe pain in the throat and swelling in the mouth;
• vomiting with blood;
• Sometimes when vomiting, pieces of the injured mucous membrane come out.

In such cases, a weak vinegar solution is used to eliminate alkali chemicals. For acid burns, wash the stomach using a solution of ordinary soda. In this case, it is almost impossible to help the victim on your own, so immediately seek help from experienced specialists.

There are different situations in life when people around you or loved ones need first aid. This includes getting into an accident, frostbite, and electric shocks. A common problem is burns. This term refers to tissue damage caused by thermal, electrical, chemical or radiation energy. Today we will look at injuries caused by aggressive substances and first aid for chemical burns.

The need for first aid

Every person should know how first aid is provided. This topic is very relevant, because anyone can find themselves in trouble. This is confirmed by the classification below. People affected by burns are divided into several groups:

• persons injured due to their own negligence or inattention;
• accident victims;
• people who have suffered from the actions of criminals;
• rescue workers.

First aid for mucous membranes is very important. The sooner it occurs, the faster further exposure to traumatic factors stops. Thanks to first aid, serious consequences and even death are prevented.

General information about chemical burns

Chemical burns occur due to the negative impact of aggressive substances on the skin or mucous membranes. The following degrees of damage are distinguished:

• I degree - the affected area becomes swollen, redness of the skin is observed;
• II degree - on damaged and reddened skin, the upper layers of the dermis die (with a thermochemical burn, blisters containing a yellowish liquid appear);
• III degree - tissue necrosis (necrosis) begins in the affected area, which is manifested by a change in skin color;
• IV degree - deep tissues are affected (subcutaneous fat, muscles, bones).

Chemical burns: statistics and severity of injuries

Before considering first aid for chemical burns, it is worth noting that lesions most often occur in people through their own fault. Improper use of various substances at home and neglect of safety rules at work are the main reasons. Statistics show that chemical burns often occur due to exposure to acids (43% of cases). Much less often, lesions of the skin and mucous membranes occur due to the influence of alkalis (in 21.5% of cases).

The severity of chemical burns is determined not by the influence of an external factor, but by physicochemical changes occurring in the area of ​​injury. Substances that enter the body or mucous membranes destroy tissue until they are neutralized or diluted and removed. The severity of damage is determined by several factors:

• the nature of the chemical;
• duration of contact;
• concentration and volume of the substance;
• mechanism of action;
• degree of penetration into tissue;
• whether first aid for chemical burns and removal of clothing soaked in an aggressive substance were provided in a timely manner.

General algorithm for providing medical care

When you see a person suffering from a chemical burn, you need to immediately call an ambulance, because only when you are in a medical facility is effective treatment and quick recovery possible. Then you should inspect the scene of the incident in order to understand whether it is dangerous to be here. If there is a threat to life, then you need to call rescuers and other emergency services.

If there is no risk to life, then you can approach the victim and provide first aid for chemical burns. If necessary, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment - masks, gloves. The first step is to remove the chemical-soaked clothing from the victim. This should be done carefully to prevent damage to other parts of the body.

Further assistance depending on the active substance

A person who does not have a medical education is not required to provide medical care. That is why in some cases you can refuse to take any measures. For example, if the substance that caused the burn is unknown, then it is best to wait for specialists to arrive. First medical aid depends on the cause of the chemical injury.

However, the ambulance team does not always arrive quickly when called. In order not to miss valuable time if a dangerous situation arises, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the rules for providing assistance in advance. They are listed below in the table.

Chemical burns: first aid procedures

Chemical that caused the burn	First measures	Subsequent general measures
Acids and alkalis	Rinse the burn surface thoroughly with running water.	Cover the burn wound with a wide, sterile bandage (you can use a clean, dry cloth). In case of a phosphorus burn, moisten the bandage with a 2-4% soda solution. Lay or sit the victim so that he experiences the least pain. Observe the person until the ambulance arrives.
Phosphorus	Rinse off phosphorus particles with running water.
Quicklime	Do not rinse with water. Wash off the particles with liquid Vaseline or vegetable oil. If possible, remove remaining particles of the substance from the wound.
Phenol, cresol	Do not rinse with water. Use a 40% solution of ethyl alcohol (vodka) for rinsing.

Some features of first aid

The chemical is removed more effectively under a strong stream of water. However, this process is not quick. Chemical burns are washed for a long time:

• in case of acid damage, this process requires from 30 to 60 minutes;
• for damage caused by alkalis - several hours.

The wounds are washed until the burning sensation and pain decrease. If the chemical is powdery, then it is first shaken off and then the surface of the skin is treated with a suitable product.

Chemical burn to the eye: first aid

The eyes are an important organ for perceiving the world around us. Without them it is impossible to fully exist. That is why in case of chemicals it is necessary to provide first aid as quickly as possible in order to preserve vision. In case of contact with acid or alkali, the following actions are recommended:

1. Gently spread the eyelids with your fingers and rinse your eyes generously with cold, clean water. When rinsing, it should flow from the nose to the temple.
2. Cover your eyes with a blindfold. They should both be closed so that movements of the healthy eye do not cause discomfort in the area of ​​the affected eye.
3. After providing first aid, the blindfolded victim must be brought to a medical facility for further treatment.

When first aid is provided for chemical burns, the affected eyes are washed with more than just water. If acid gets in, sometimes use a 2% solution of baking soda. To prepare it, take a glass of boiled water and add baking soda to it on the tip of a table knife.

If alkali gets in contact, the eyes are washed with a 0.1% solution of citric acid. To prepare such a liquid, add a couple of drops of lemon juice to a glass of boiled water.

Common mistakes

People often make mistakes when providing first aid. They try to remove the chemical using wipes or swabs moistened with water. Such products should not be used for burns. The substance is not removed with napkins and tampons, but rubbed into the deep layers of the skin.

Very often, people treat the affected areas with fat, egg yolk, dairy products, urine, and wash with decoctions of medicinal plants. Experts, knowing this, recommend that people not use traditional medicine. First aid for chemical burns provided with the use of the above products can lead to infection of the burn wound. Infection can ultimately cause death.

The importance of visiting a medical facility

A person suffering from chemical burns must be taken to the hospital. The need for treatment in a hospital is primarily due to the fact that aggressive substances penetrate the bloodstream through the skin, wound surface, and mucous membranes and spread throughout the body, disrupting its functioning. For example, when inhaling certain concentrations of ammonia, bromine vapor, strong acids and other similar substances, irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes of the larynx, nasopharynx, hoarseness, pain in the throat, and nosebleeds are observed. Swelling of the larynx and lungs is possible, which is very dangerous.

The listed consequences are not the only ones. When absorbing oxalic or hydrofluoric acid, there is a high probability of developing hypocalcemia. If tannic, formic or picric acid, phosphorus or phenol enters the body, liver and kidney failure and depression of the central nervous system may occur.

Treatment of chemical burns in the hospital

The treatment regimen after first aid for chemical burns includes several components. It includes eliminating the toxic effects of aggressive substances. For this:

• methods are used to accelerate the removal of toxic substances from the human body;
• specific (antidote) therapy is used;
• therapeutic measures are carried out aimed at maintaining and restoring impaired body functions.

Treatment of the burn surfaces themselves is determined taking into account the degree of damage. In grades I and II, ointment dressings are used. Medical professionals use drugs that help accelerate tissue regeneration. If suppuration appears, then instead of ointments, bandages moistened with antiseptic solutions are used. For deep burns, surgical treatment is used. First, a necrectomy is performed, during which dead tissue is removed. Afterwards, skin grafting of the defect is performed.

Chemical burns are quite dangerous. You should not rely on traditional medicine or on the fact that everything will heal on its own. In any case, you should contact a specialist after providing first aid for chemical burns. He will refer you for treatment in a hospital or tell you what can be used to restore minor skin lesions.

A chemical burn is a consequence of direct contact of body tissues with chemical reagents. Such an injury can occur as a result of a violation of the technological process at work, neglect of safety precautions, as well as accidents at home or a suicide attempt. The face, hands and digestive organs are most often affected. How to properly provide care for a chemical burn to prevent complications?

The severity of chemical tissue damage depends on:

• the strength and mechanism of action of the substance;
• quantity and concentration of the substance;
• duration of exposure and degree of penetration of the substance.

Chemical burns are divided into 4 degrees:

Burns can occur due to:

• acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, etc.);
• alkalis (caustic soda, caustic potassium, etc.);
• gasoline;
• kerosene;
• salts of heavy metals (zinc chloride, silver nitrate, etc.);
• volatile oils;
• phosphorus;
• bitumen

Concentrated solutions of alkalis and acids, which most often refer to third- and fourth-degree burns, have the greatest destructive effect.

Acid burns

An acid is a chemical compound with hydrogen that turns the litmus strip red, and that can be converted to salt if the hydrogen is replaced by a metal.

Acid burns are usually shallow. This is due to its effect on protein coagulation: at the site of burned tissue, a scab forms - a clearly defined dry crust of gray or brown color, covering the burn site, formed from coagulated blood, which prevents the substance from penetrating deep into the tissue. The rate of blood coagulation increases as the acid concentration increases.

Alkali burns

Hydroxides of alkaline earth, alkali and some other elements are called alkalis; These include bases that are highly soluble in water. During electrolytic dissociation, alkalis break down into OH- anions and metal cations. In case of contact with alkali, deep penetration of the substance into the tissue is observed, since a shield in the form of a hard crust is not formed. As a result of an alkaline burn, a soft, whitish scab without clear boundaries is formed.

Damage from heavy metal salts

Heavy metals are considered a group of chemical elements that are similar in properties to metals and have significant atomic weight or density. These include mercury, silver, copper, zinc, lead, cobalt, cadmium and bismuth.

Lesions caused by this group of substances often externally and clinically resemble the result of contact with acid: the substances do not penetrate deep into the tissue, stopping in the upper layers of the skin.

Providing first aid for a chemical burn

An important feature of chemical burns is that it is impossible to immediately determine the extent of damage. The reason for this is the fact that the reagent is absorbed into living tissues within several hours (sometimes days) after direct contact.

Based on this, it becomes possible to accurately establish a diagnosis only after 7-10 days after the accident. By this time, in most cases, the process of suppuration of the scab begins, so you need to know what to do in case of a chemical burn.

First aid for chemical skin burns

Skin contact with acid or alkali is the most common type of injury from chemicals, both at work and at home. Therefore, it is necessary to know the basic rules of first aid for chemical burns.

First aid for chemical eye damage

Any chemical burn to the eyes is a serious injury and requires mandatory examination and treatment by a doctor. Regardless of the type of substance, in most cases such injuries are accompanied by a strong reaction to light, tearing and cutting pain, and sometimes even loss of vision.

• In the event of eye injury from a chemical, the most important first aid measure is to immediately rinse with plenty of water. To do this, you need to spread the eyelids with your fingers and hold the eye under running water for 10-15 minutes to remove the reagent. In this case, you should not waste time looking for neutralizers, since immediately washing the eyes with water is much more effective. However, in case of alkali damage, milk can be used to neutralize.
• Next, apply a dry bandage. But the main thing is to consult a doctor immediately.

Chemical burn of the digestive organs

The main symptoms of chemical damage to the digestive system are severe pain in the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach, vomiting of bloody mucus and particles of burnt mucous. If the reagent gets into the upper part of the larynx, the victim begins to choke.

In the esophagus, the affected area spreads very quickly, so it is necessary to provide first aid to the victim as soon as possible, which consists of neutralizing the chemical reagent that has entered inside.

Professional medical assistance

Regardless of the depth and nature of the injury, in case of a burn with chemicals, you must consult a doctor, since the reagents often quickly spread deep into the tissue, and in a short time a first-degree burn can turn into a second or third burn. In addition, if more than a third of the body is affected, then the person often dies in the first few hours after injury due to the development of a state of shock and organ dysfunction.

In some cases of injury from chemical reagents, the help of qualified specialists is necessary:

• when signs of shock appear (loss of consciousness, pale skin, difficulty breathing) in the victim;
• the wound size exceeds 7.5 cm in diameter;
• damage deeper than the top layer of skin;
• the legs, groin area, buttocks, large joints were affected;
• the victim’s complaints of significant pain that cannot be relieved by painkillers.