Acid/Chemical Burns
Regan Schenck Summer School Health
Definition
A chemical or acid burn is occurs when a harmful or corrosive substance comes into contact with human skin, eroding/burning the skin. Will cause extensive tissue damage.
Signs/Symptoms
Factors to look for (Symptoms may vary depending on how the burn was received)
- length of contact with chemical
- if the chemical was inhaled or swallowed
- if skin was intact during contact (no open cuts or wounds)
- location of the contact
- the amount of chemical used
- concentration of the chemical
- strength of the chemical
- if the chemical was gas, liquid, or solid
Common Care and Treatment for Acid/Chemical Burns
People with minor chemical burns do not need to be taken to the ER. Many can go home after arranging an appointment with doctor. Major chemical burn patients will need to be rushed to the ER immediately! Even those who ingested and/or inhaled chemical burns may need to undergo observation. This depends on the severity of tissue damage.
Prevention of Acid/Chemical Burns
- Wearing protective gear when dealing with chemicals
- Avoiding the use of chemicals
- Keeping chemical out of the reach of children
- Keeping chemicals away from food and drink
- Keeping chemicals in their same packaging with warning labels
- Never mixing one chemical with another
- Properly and safely storing chemicals after use
Effects of Acid Burns
- deformity
- reconstructive surgery
- scaring
- tissue damage
- emotional and self esteem damage
Bibliography
- "Acid Violence." First Aid Information. Web. 22 July 2014.
- "Chemical Burns." : Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis. Web. 22 July 2014.
- "Chemical Burns Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - Chemical Burn Treatment - EMedicineHealth." EMedicineHealth. Web. 22 July 2014.