Medical

First Aid At Work: Chemical Burns

Chemical burns can look like first-degree burns but are more difficult to treat. They require quick action to minimise damage and reduce the risk of infection.

By Simran

13 Mar 2023

Chemical burns happen when the skin is scarred due to a corrosive or acidic substance. These substances can be found in cleaning products, industrial chemicals, and even in everyday household items such as batteries and bleach. Chemical burns can be extremely dangerous and cause severe skin damage, along with other underlying issues.

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There are different types of chemical burns, each with its own unique characteristics, appearance, and treatment options.

Alkali Burns

Alkali burns are caused by substances with a high pH level, such as ammonia, bleach, and lye. These chemicals can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues by breaking down the proteins in the skin, leading to tissue death.

Alkali burns can be more severe than acid burns because they penetrate the skin more deeply. The affected area may appear yellow or brown and feel slimy or slippery to the touch.

Acid Burns

Acid burns are caused by substances with a low pH level, such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. These chemicals can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues by denaturing the proteins in the skin, leading to tissue death.

Acid burns can be less severe than alkali burns because they tend to only affect the top layers of the skin. The affected area may appear red or white, and the skin may feel dry or waxy.

Organic Chemical Burns

Organic chemical burns are caused by substances such as gasoline, solvents, and pesticides. These chemicals can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues by penetrating the skin and causing cellular damage.

Organic chemical burns can also cause toxic reactions in the body, leading to serious health complications. The affected area may appear red or brown, and the skin may blister or peel.

Electrical Burns

Damage to skin tissues caused by an electric current is an electrical burn. Household electrical appliances or power lines can cause these burns. Electrical burns can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues by generating heat and disrupting the normal functioning of the body's cells. The affected area may appear black or charred, and the skin may be numb or painful.

Radiation Burns

Radiation burns occur when the skin is exposed to ionising radiation, such as in medical treatments for cancer or nuclear accidents. These burns can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues by disrupting the body's cellular functions and DNA.

Radiation burns can be severe and may lead to long-term health complications. The affected area may appear red or brown, and the skin may blister or peel.

Chemical burns can happen anywhere, but they are particularly common in workplaces where employees come in contact with hazardous chemicals daily. If you work in an environment where chemical burns are a possibility, it's essential to know how to respond in case of an emergency.

A study published in the Indian Journal of Burns in 2018 analysed data from a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi over a period of 10 years and found that 18 per cent of all burn admissions were due to chemical burns, with a majority of cases (74 per cent) occurring in the workplace. The study also reported that the most commonly affected age group was between 21-40 years. The most common cause of chemical burns was due to exposure to acids (55 per cent) followed by alkalis (34 per cent).

Steps For First Aid For Chemical Burns

Knowing how to provide first aid for chemical burns at your workplace is crucial. Here are some steps you can take to provide first aid for chemical burns at your workplace:

1. Isolate From The Source of The Burn

The first step in treating a chemical burn is to remove the source of the burn. If the chemical is still on the skin, rinse the affected area with water immediately. It's essential to remove any clothing or jewellery that has been contaminated with the chemical as well.

2. Identify The Chemical

It is important to identify the type of chemical that caused the burn, as this will determine the appropriate first aid treatment. If possible, check the safety data sheet (SDS) for the chemical or ask the person who was exposed to the chemical.

3. Flush The Affected Area With Water

Once the source of the burn has been removed, flush the affected area with water for at least 20 minutes. This will help to remove any remaining chemicals and minimise the damage to the skin. It's important to use cool water, as hot water can make the burn worse.

4. Call for Emergency Medical Assistance

If the chemical burn is severe, call for emergency medical assistance or OHC immediately. Chemical burns can be life-threatening, and it's essential to receive prompt medical attention in case of an emergency. Make sure to provide the OHC nurse and doctor with information about the chemical that caused the burn, as well as any other relevant information, such as for how long the chemical has remained in touch with the skin.

5. Cover The Affected Area

After flushing the affected area with water, cover the burn with a clean, dry bandage or dressing. This will help to protect the area from further contamination and reduce the risk of infection. If the burn is on the face, make sure to cover the eyes with a sterile bandage.

6. Seek Additional Medical Attention

After providing first aid for the chemical burn, seek additional medical attention as needed. Depending on the severity of the burn, you may need to see a doctor or a specialist for follow-up care. Ensure to follow the medical team's instructions for caring for the burn, including any medications or dressings that need to be applied.

Chemical burns can be dangerous and require prompt first-aid to minimise the damage. If you work in an environment where chemical burns are a possibility, make sure to familiarise yourself with the first aid procedures outlined above. By knowing how to respond in case of an emergency, you can help to protect yourself and your colleagues from the harmful effects of chemical burns.

Sign And Symptoms of Chemical Burns

Redness And Swelling: One of the most common signs of a chemical burn is redness and swelling in the affected area. This may occur immediately after contact with the chemical or develop over time. The skin may appear inflamed and may feel hot to the touch.
Blistering: Another common symptom of a chemical burn is blistering in the affected area. Blisters may appear within minutes of contact with the chemical, or they may take several hours to develop. The blisters may be filled with clear or cloudy fluid and painful to the touch.
Discolouration: Chemical burns can cause discolouration in the affected area. The skin may appear white, black, or brown, depending on the severity of the burn. Discolouration may be a sign of tissue death, which can lead to long-term health complications.
Pain: Chemical burns can be very painful, especially if the chemical comes in contact with nerve endings in the skin. The pain may be immediate or develop over time as the burn progresses. Pain may be mild or severe, depending on the severity of the burn.
Numbness or Tingling: In some cases, chemical burns can cause numbness or tingling in the affected area. This may indicate that nerve damage has occurred, which can lead to long-term health complications like chronic pain, muscle weakness, loss of sensation, digestive and cardiovascular problems.
Breathing Difficulties: If the chemical is inhaled, it can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. This may be a sign of respiratory distress and requires immediate medical attention.

Types of Chemical Burns Based On The Severity

The severity of a chemical burn can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of chemical, the length of contact, the concentration of the chemical, and the amount of skin exposed.

There are generally three types of chemical burns based on severity:

Superficial or First-degree Burns: This is the mildest type of chemical burn. It affects only the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis. Symptoms may include redness, pain, and mild inflammation. First-degree burns typically heal within a few days to a week.
Partial Thickness or Second-degree Burns: This type of burn affects both the epidermis and the dermis (the layer of skin beneath the epidermis). Symptoms may include blistering, swelling, severe pain, and redness. Second-degree burns may take several weeks to heal and can leave scars.
Full Thickness or Third-degree Burns: This is the most severe type of chemical burn, affecting all skin layers, including the underlying tissue. The skin may appear blackened or charred, and the affected area may be numb due to nerve damage. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention, which can be life-threatening and cause permanent tissue damage and scarring.

Chemical burns are a serious workplace hazard that requires quick and appropriate first aid treatment. By following these steps and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can minimise damage and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

What Not To Do In Case of Chemical Burns

Do not touch the affected area with bare hands. Chemical burns can be extremely painful and may cause a severe reaction.
Do not try to neutralise the chemical with any other substance unless you are sure of what the chemical is and what its properties are. Some chemicals react violently with any other solutions and may make the situation worse.
Do not remove clothing or any other material that may have come in contact with the chemical, as this could further damage the skin.
Do not try to pop blisters that may have formed, as this could lead to infection.
Do not apply any ointments or creams without first consulting a medical professional.
Do not attempt to treat a severe chemical burn at home. Seek immediate medical attention.

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Chemical burns can be complicated to treat, and immediate first-aid is crucial in determining the treatment. With UR.Life OHC, you can ensure that your employees receive prompt first-aid in any situation so they can heal as soon as possible.

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