Acid burns are neutralized by the substance. What to do in case of an acid burn If certain parts of the body are burned with acid

A burn is tissue damage caused by local thermal (thermal), chemical, electrical or radiation exposure. The most common are thermal burns resulting from exposure to high temperatures (flame, hot steam, boiling liquids, hot metal).

Degrees of burns

There are four degrees of burns:

First degree: the damaged area has redness, swelling, and a burning sensation. Only the superficial layers of the skin are affected.

Second degree: blisters filled with yellowish liquid (blisters) appear on the skin, severe pain.

Third degree: skin necrosis (eschar formation).

Fourth degree: charring of tissues to the bones.

The severity of the burn is determined depending on the depth of the lesion and the area at the same time. In addition to violating the integrity of the skin, large burns are accompanied by general phenomena such as shock, toxemia, damage to the nervous and vascular system, and loss of blood plasma. Regardless of the degree, burns covering 25% of the body's surface area are very dangerous; burns on half the surface of the body are often fatal. With deep burns, there may be no pain due to damaged nerve endings.

First aid

Remove the damaging factor! Extinguish burning clothing by any possible means (pour water on the person, wrap him in a blanket, coat and lay him on his back so that the flame does not spread to the head), remove the victim from the high temperature area, remove or cut off smoldering clothing (however, do not try to remove the material, stuck to the skin)

Cool the burn area

Stages 1 and 2 - cool with running water for 10 - 15 minutes

3 and 4 - clean wet bandage, then cool with the bandage in standing water

cover with a damp bandage

rest and anti-shock measures

Signs and symptoms:

Redness of the skin - 1 degree

blisters appeared - 2nd degree

wound - blisters burst - 3rd degree

charring and lack of sensitivity - 4th degree

What not to do:

DO NOT lubricate with oil, cream, ointment, protein, etc.,

DO NOT apply foam (panthenol) to the newly burned area.

DO NOT remove stuck clothing.

DO NOT puncture blisters.

Remove all things from the burned area of the body: clothes, belt, watches, rings and other things.

Cut off the stuck clothing around it, do not tear it away from the burn.

We hospitalize if:

The burn area is more than 5 palms of the victim

Burn in a child or elderly person

Third degree burn

Burnt groin area

Burnt mouth, nose, head, respiratory tract

Two limbs burned

Additionally:

1 palm of the victim = 1% of the body The burn of the respiratory tract is assumed to be equal to 15% of a first degree burn

First aid for burns with acids and alkalis

Chemical burns are caused primarily by acids and alkalis.

In case of burns with concentrated acid, wash it off with a stream of cold running water (at least 30 minutes), soapy water or a 1-2% soda solution.

The most severe damage occurs when exposed to alkalis. They are also washed off with water or a weak solution of acetic or citric acid.

Apply a dry, clean bandage to the burned surface.

Attention:

In case of a burn with quicklime, water should not be used, but should be washed with some kind of oil.

For burns caused by organic aluminum compounds, we do not use water, as ignition is possible.

List of means used to provide first aid in cases of chemical burns caused by various substances.

studfiles.net

Chemical burns: first aid for acid and alkali burns

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?

Classification of chemical burns

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.

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Acid burns are usually shallow. This is due to its effect on protein coagulation: a scab forms at the site of burned tissue - 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 the 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, you should remove the burned skin from clothing and jewelry. However, you should not pick off anything stuck to the wound.
Secondly, it is necessary to rinse the damaged area of skin with running water for 15-20 minutes to remove excess substance and reduce its concentration. However, wounds caused by a reaction with quicklime or aluminum compounds should not come into contact with water, since these substances become much more active when they react with water.
It is important to remember that in the process of providing first aid for a burn, the acid is neutralized by washing with a soapy solution or a solution of baking soda. In case of damage by alkali, the reagent is removed using a solution of boric, citric or acetic acid. When exposing the skin to quicklime, a sugar solution is used. It is unacceptable to use saturated solutions of acids and alkalis for a neutralization reaction on the victim’s skin.
All actions should be carried out wearing thick gloves. It is advisable not to touch the affected area of skin with bare hands: acid residues can get on unprotected hands, and touching will cause additional pain in the victim.
To reduce pain, apply a damp and cool cloth to the burn area.
Finally, a loose, non-compressive bandage made from a bandage or clean, dry cloth is applied to the affected area of skin.

Read also: Nutrition for stomach ulcers: general recommendations

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.

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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.

After exposure to alkalis on the digestive organs, the victim is given a gastric lavage with a weak solution of acetic acid.
In case of acid damage, the food tract is washed with a solution of baking soda.
It is mandatory to lavage the stomach with large quantities of water to completely remove the chemical reagent.
After providing first aid, it is imperative to take the victim of a chemical burn to the digestive organs to the hospital.

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.

Attention, only TODAY!

rodinkam.com

First aid for poisoning with acids and alkalis

Poisoning with acids and alkalis most often occurs when they are used in everyday life. In most cases, intoxication occurs when using acetic acid, less often - alkalis and oxidizing agents. The mentioned substances cause a chemical burn: when they come into contact with the skin, the epidermis is completely destroyed. Penetration of toxic agents into the stomach can cause cardiac arrest.

Characteristics and types of cauterizing substances

Acids and alkalis are called cauterizing substances. They are used in medicine, in the production of fertilizers, household chemicals and cosmetics, and for the disinfection of ponds. Acids are complex substances containing hydrogen atoms that are capable of reacting with other substances. They are oxygen-containing and oxygen-free. The most dangerous are inorganic acids (nitric, hydrochloric, sulfuric) - they contribute to tissue necrosis and the subsequent formation of scabs, laryngeal edema, and shock caused by severe pain.

Organic substances (oxalic and acetic acids) are characterized by a less pronounced cauterizing, but more toxic effect on the body. Causes dysfunction of the kidneys and liver. Alkalis are bases that dissolve well in water. These are the well-known lime (both slaked and quicklime), ammonia, sodium hydroxide, and liquid glass.

Intoxication with alkalis is much more dangerous than the ingestion of acids into the body. This is due to the fact that alkali has the ability to reach deep layers of tissue and destroy protein structures. In case of poisoning, severe symptoms immediately appear. The degree and severity of poisoning with cauterizing poisons depend on how concentrated the substance ingested was, its dose and the general condition of the victim’s body. The lethal dose of strong acids ingested is 30–50 ml.

Characteristic symptoms

Cauterizing poisons are very dangerous to health. In case of poisoning, the victim immediately develops a complex of symptoms characteristic of intoxication. If acids are ingested, a person experiences the following clinical manifestations of poisoning:

Burn of the laryngeal mucosa

excruciating pain in the mouth and in the esophagus, which is caused by burns of the mucous membrane;
feeling of thirst;
vomiting, accompanied by holding your breath, which leads to the entry of vomit of a characteristic coffee color with traces of blood into the respiratory tract;
dyspnea;
metallic taste in the mouth;
change in urine color (urine becomes cherry, brown or red);
a characteristic odor from the mouth (for example, when intoxicated with acetic acid, a strong smell of vinegar emanates from the victim);
intestinal obstruction;
swelling of the larynx, which can cause asphyxia;
symptoms characteristic of alcohol intoxication;
burns and scabs around the mouth, the color of which depends on what kind of acid was taken orally: acetic acid gives a gray color, hydrochloric acid gives a yellow-green color, nitric acid gives a gray-yellow color.

If a large dose of acid enters the body, the functionality of the heart muscle is disrupted in a short period of time and a painful shock develops. There is a high probability of death in the first few hours.

Inhaling acid vapors irritates the respiratory tract. With a high concentration of toxins, acute bronchitis and pulmonary edema develop. In this case, there is a high probability of death due to spasm of the glottis. Symptoms of alkali poisoning:

urinary retention;
slow heart rate;
suffocation;
severe drooling;
convulsions;
pain in the mouth and esophagus, aggravated by swallowing;
vomiting and loose stools with traces of blood;
strong thirst;
a state of shock caused by unbearable pain.

When alkali damages the mucous membranes of the eyes, swelling increases, clouding of the cornea occurs, leading to loss of vision. If alkali affects the skin, the epidermis turns red and swells, severe pain occurs, and blisters form. The burn surface has a loose structure.

In case of poisoning that occurs as a result of inhalation of vapors of cauterizing alkali poisons, there is a feeling of heaviness in the chest, suffocation, swelling of the larynx, repeated vomiting, eye burns, nervous excitement, and delirium. If toxic substances are absorbed into the blood and tissues, the functions of the most important organs - the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver - occur.

Employees of enterprises who come into close contact with alkalis experience so-called chronic intoxication. This condition manifests itself in ulcerative formations on the skin of the upper extremities, trophic lesions of the nail plates, the development of gastritis and ulcers, periodic diarrhea and vomiting with traces of blood.

First aid methods

In case of accidental or intentional intoxication with cauterizing liquids, the victim must be given first aid as quickly as possible. After calling a medical facility before the ambulance team arrives, you should help the person remove toxic substances from the body. First aid for poisoning with acids and alkalis involves the following:

Condition assessment. If you suspect the presence of a through hole in the intestine and if you complain of unbearable pain in the chest area, it is strictly prohibited to give the patient anything to drink or perform gastric lavage.
Gently wipe the oral mucosa with a weak solution of acetic acid or fresh lemon juice diluted with water.
Apply a warm compress to the throat if you have trouble breathing.
Gastric lavage in case of acid intoxication. This can be done if there is no sign of a through hole in the stomach or esophagus. In case of acid intoxication, rinsing is carried out through a thick probe. You need to use at least 6–10 liters of water, to which burnt magnesia should be added (at the rate of 20 g of substance per liter of liquid). It is forbidden to use soda. Probeless rinsing (simply drinking a few glasses of water) does not work and can speed up the process of absorption of the poison.
Gastric lavage for alkali intoxication. The basis is 6–10 liters of warm water or a solution of citric or acetic acid (1%). If there is no probe or it is not possible to install it (in case of swelling of the larynx), you should give the victim a little milk or vegetable oil, lemon juice.

In no case should you induce vomiting without first washing the stomach and give laxatives to the poisoned person. It is advisable to carry out the washing procedure within the first 4 hours after toxic substances enter the body.

If chemicals come into contact with your skin, wash them off for 15 minutes. You should not try to wipe off acid or alkali with cloths: this will cause the substance to rub into the skin and worsen the situation.

It is necessary to remove all the victim’s clothing that has come into contact with toxic substances. If acid or alkali has affected the mucous membrane of the eyes, you need to rinse them continuously for more than 15 minutes, then drip a solution of novocaine (1%).

The nurse puts an IV

The emergency care provided in the hospital is to neutralize and quickly remove toxic substances from the body. Intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate in the form of a solution is practiced, which prevents the possibility of impaired renal function. To suppress pain, the patient is injected subcutaneously with morphine, papaverine, and a glucose-novocaine mixture.

Poisoning with alkalis and acids is a condition that poses a particular danger to human life. Cauterizing substances destroy the dermis, promote necrosis of the mucous membranes, and can cause cardiac arrest or asphyxia. At the first signs of intoxication with acids or alkalis, the victim must be urgently transported to a medical facility.

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First aid for burns and hydrochloric acid poisoning

Hydrochloric acid is a good solvent that is used in many industries. The chemical is colorless and may appear yellowish. The acid itself and its esters (hydrogen chloride) are poisonous.

Hydrochloric acid itself and its esters are poisonous.

Properties of hydrochloric acid

The toxicity of the substance lies in the fact that the liquid evaporates in air, releasing gas. It enters the human body through mucous membranes and skin. If it comes into contact with the skin, the acid causes a severe chemical burn. Every person's stomach also contains hydrochloric acid. It helps the digestive processes. People who have low acidity are prescribed medications with this substance. Hydrogen chloride solution is also used as a food additive E 507.

Hydrochloric acid and its vapors can accelerate the corrosion of metals. Therefore, it is stored and transported in special vessels.

Chemical damage to the skin

Burns occur as a result of exposure of the skin to high temperatures (thermal), electric fields (electric), acids or alkaline substances (chemical) and electromagnetic radiation (radial). Thermal burns are common in everyday life.

Damage to the skin caused by chemicals is difficult to treat. The degree of harm is determined by the amount and concentration of the acid or alkali, the characteristics of exposure and behavior when in contact with water or air, as well as the period of stay on the skin or mucous membranes. Doctors distinguish the following degrees of severity of a chemical burn:

I – redness of the affected area and pain;
II – swelling and blisters with transparent contents appear;
III – necrosis of the upper layers of skin and blisters with cloudy liquid or blood;
IV – deep lesion that reaches the muscles and tendons.

Doctors are more likely to encounter severe cases of grades III and IV due to the fact that the chemical composition of the substances is very toxic and acts instantly. Therefore, people should know the symptoms of an acid burn and the basics of emergency care in such situations in order to maintain their health or be able to provide first aid.

If hydrochloric acid comes into contact with the skin, rinse the area with clean water.

First aid for a burn with hydrochloric acid

As a result of exposure to the toxin, a dry, dense, yellowish crust with clear boundaries appears on the skin. After contact is eliminated, the reagent continues to cause harm, so the person needs urgent help. The first thing to do if hydrochloric acid gets on your skin is:

Remove clothing and other items from the burned area.
Rinse the area with clean water for 15 minutes or more.
If the injury burns, continue to wash off the substance.
After this, wash the burn area with a solution of soda or soap and water.
Apply a dry sterile bandage.

It is strictly forbidden to wash off hydrochloric acid with oils, alcohol tinctures, and urine. Doctors do not recommend piercing the blisters yourself, touching the wound with your hands, or lubricating it with cream or vegetable oil.

If hydrochloric acid gets into the eyes, a person needs to rinse with running water and then with a soda solution. Signs of injury: severe burning and pain in the eyes. The clinical picture of the disease may also include the appearance of a scab and redness of the mucous membrane. The victim needs to see a doctor who will assess the patient’s condition and prescribe a course of therapy.

You can treat small chemical burns at home

Burn treatment

High-quality first aid increases the effectiveness of therapy and gives the victim hope for a quick recovery. The patient is examined by a surgeon, assesses his condition and the severity of the burn. Then he explains how to treat an injury at home. If large areas of skin are affected, the patient is left under the constant supervision of doctors.

You can treat a small chemical burn at home according to the prescribed course. The doctor advises treating the area with antiseptic agents that do not contain alcohol. It is mandatory to use medications that help restore the normal functioning of the skin.

Clinic of poisoning with hydrochloric acid and its esters

A hydrogen chloride solution enters the human gastrointestinal tract at work when safety rules are violated or intentionally during a suicide attempt. Hydrochloric acid gets on the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat, tongue and causes severe burns and poisoning. The first symptoms of damage to the esophagus and stomach:

acute pain in the abdomen and chest;
vomit with blood;
swelling of the larynx.

In severe cases of poisoning and in the absence of medical care, additional symptoms develop: pulmonary edema, severe pathologies of the kidneys and liver. The pain syndrome can lead to burn shock, which aggravates the victim's condition with possible loss of consciousness.

Symptoms of damage to the esophagus and stomach: acute pain in the abdomen and chest

The victim must be removed from the premises to avoid additional intoxication from toxic fumes. First aid for hydrochloric acid poisoning is to immediately lavage the stomach. The patient is forced to drink about a liter of water and is induced to vomit. If a person exhibits symptoms of traumatic shock, they are given sedatives or painkillers.

Hydrogen chloride solution evaporates quickly in open air. During this process, a toxic haze appears in the air, which harms the human respiratory tract. Symptoms of poisoning by toxic fumes:

dry cough;
suffocation;
burning of mucous membranes;
tooth damage;
disruption of the stomach and intestines.

First aid for poisoning with toxic ethers is free access to clean air and rinsing the throat with water or a soda solution.

With prolonged inhalation of poison, the clinical picture may be accompanied by toxic pulmonary edema. Its initial stage is characterized by chest pain and nonproductive cough. If the reagent is removed, all symptoms disappear within an hour (latent period). But at this time the lungs begin to change and lose some functions. Gradually, chest pain and difficulty breathing return, which entail the appearance of wheezing and the onset of the edema process. Completion of lung poisoning is accompanied by the following symptoms:

bluish or gray tint of the skin and mucous membranes;
shortness of breath and weak pulse;
sputum discharge (with blood);
lack of oxygen in the body and others.

The victim must be immediately taken to the hospital, where a toxicologist will prescribe adequate treatment.

Acid or acid vapor poisoning must be treated in a hospital

Treatment of hydrochloric acid intoxication

Poisoning with liquid hydrochloric acid or its vapor must be treated in a hospital. The toxicologist prescribes symptomatic therapy. The first thing the doctor does is prescribe painkillers to eliminate pain shock.

Treatment includes medications to stop bleeding, maintain the functioning of the stomach and intestines, lungs, cardiovascular system, as well as the liver and kidneys. To prevent the development of the inflammatory process, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. The victim cannot eat for the first couple of days, and then he is prescribed a strict diet until the end of the course of treatment.

Prevention of hydrochloric acid poisoning

Preventive measures help save people's lives and health. They consist of following safety rules when working with poisons, using individual methods of protection (apron, gas mask, gloves, goggles, special suit).

The management of the enterprise must ensure good ventilation of the premises, timely notification of hydrochloric acid leaks and prompt evacuation. Preventive measures also include briefings and training on first aid and actions in emergency situations.

To prevent chronic diseases, employees must undergo routine medical examinations, as well as provide themselves with the necessary amount of vitamins, minerals and microelements. Chemical burns and hydrochloric acid poisoning are serious diseases. The high toxicity of the substance forces immediate action to save a person’s life. People who deal with this poison must follow basic safety rules and be able to provide first aid.

Burns from sulfuric acid began to occur not only among workers in the chemical industry, but also among ordinary housewives. First aid for chemical burns is the first thing you need to know when using products containing acid in your home.

Burns are a common phenomenon. People encounter them in everyday life, accidentally pressing themselves against the stove, scalding their hand with boiling water, not wearing gloves, or using a cleaning agent. The consequences depend on the degree of influence of the causes.

Most people, fortunately, know how to provide first aid to themselves or others for a so-called household burn (boiling water, steam, open fire). But in the event of a chemical burn, fewer people will be able to provide first aid and recognize the degree of the burn. Chemical burns have recently begun to occur in ordinary apartments, and not just in chemical plants and laboratories, due to the emergence of a large number of household cleaning products that contain acids, alkalis or their salts.

Manufacturers always warn the buyer on the packaging about the protective equipment (gloves, goggles) that should be used when working with their products. But this warning is often ignored. In other cases, the manufacturer requires the product to be diluted to the required concentration, but, again, due to negligence in the instructions, chemical burns occur. And there is another type of manufacturers who are simply dishonest. They counterfeit cleaning products from honest manufacturers, adding cheap ingredients that sometimes react already in the packaging, but in reality the buyer receives a chemical burn, even if he followed all the safety rules.

First aid for chemical burns has its own characteristics due to a different mechanism of action of the substance on the body area. But, nevertheless, the first and basic rule is to wash the affected area with a sufficiently large amount of water, preferably running water.

A chemical burn means exposure of an area of the body to alkali, acid, heavy metal salts or a mixture of other chemical reagents. The degree of burn will depend on the amount, concentration, and time of exposure to the substance. I degree - only the epidermis (upper layer of skin) is affected, slight redness and burning are possible. II degree - the epidermis and deeper layers are affected. Small bubbles with liquid, redness and slight swelling appear. III degree - all layers of the skin and fat layer are affected. Bubbles with cloudy liquid swell, and the sensitivity of the skin area is impaired. IV degree - all layers of the skin, fat layer, muscles and sometimes bones are affected.

There is a small peculiarity with chemical burns. When a chemical reagent gets in, a crust forms, which is sometimes difficult to distinguish from a healthy area. The crust formed from the action of acid is softer and looser, and is often located on the surface. Alkaline crusts are denser and affect several layers of skin. So the effects of alkalis are more destructive to the human body than acids. An interesting feature is that when sulfuric acid hits an area of the body, the skin first becomes white and then brown.

First aid for chemical burns. Initially, you should remove clothing from the area where the chemical came into contact, as it may spread the reagent to large areas of the body. Next, you need to rinse the burn with water, preferably running water, for 15 minutes. If the wound was not initially washed, this should be done immediately if possible, but the time will increase to 45 minutes as the chemical may have spread into the deeper layers of the skin. You cannot use wet wipes or cotton swabs soaked in water; this can only worsen the process. If itching occurs, rinse the area again with water for 5 minutes.

In the future, if the burn is acidic, then the affected area is treated with a 2% solution of baking soda or soapy water. If there is an alkali, then a weak solution of acetic or citric acid is used for neutralization. Lime is neutralized with a 2% acid solution, and carbolic acid with glycerin. At the end of the process, cold and a loose bandage is applied to the affected area. After providing first aid, the patient should be taken to the hospital, and the victim should also be sent there immediately if he is in shock or has a large area of damage.

Sulfuric acid burns are the most dangerous of chemical burns. Sulfuric acid is a strong dibasic acid and is a strong oxidizing agent. Sulfuric acid absorbs vapors from the air and severely dehydrates organic material. As was written earlier, when it comes into contact with an area of the body, the skin first turns white, then turns brown, and upon healing, a purple scar forms. Getting sulfuric acid into your eyes is dangerous, as it can lead to loss of vision. Inhaling a small amount of this acid vapor can cause a burn to the larynx, and a large concentration can lead to hemorrhagic pneumonia and even death.

First aid for inhaling vapors is fresh air, inhalation with a 2% soda solution, milk with soda should be taken orally, and codeine is prescribed for coughing. In case of shock, the victim should be immediately hospitalized, and before the ambulance arrives, a 1-2% solution of promedol can be injected subcutaneously and given plenty of fluids. First aid for a chemical burn of the eye is aimed at eliminating the reagent, and this can be done by thoroughly washing the eye and conjunctiva with running water, then it is advisable to drip 1-2 drops of a 0.5% solution of dicaine with adrenaline. Help with chemical burns to the eyes must be provided by an ophthalmologist.

There are a number of cases when the affected area should not be washed with water. First, a quicklime burn. Water will only intensify the reaction; the reagent should be removed with vegetable oil. Secondly, burns from aluminum powder. This reagent ignites when interacting with water; it must be shaken off, and only then treat the area with kerosene. Thirdly, phenol is removed with a 40% solution of ethyl alcohol, and phosphoric acid is neutralized with a solution of potassium permanganate or copper sulfate. If any acid or alkali gets inside, do not induce vomiting, as the chemical can injure the esophagus when passing backwards.

Water can be given orally to dilute the concentration of the reagent, but not more than 3 glasses. In case of suffocation of the victim, artificial respiration should be performed, but not “mouth to mouth”, but “nose to mouth”, due to the fact that the larynx may be burned. Do not apply ointments, grease or powder to the burn area, as this may lead to a reaction between the substances. In no case should you open the blisters formed at the burn site, this will lead to complications of the wound with pyogenic or putrefactive microflora.

There is a very good proven folk recipe that can relieve swelling, reduce pain and inflammation. You should take potatoes, grate them, and apply the resulting pulp to the affected area. When the compress heats up, it should be replaced with a new one.

The best treatment is prevention, so you should not neglect safety rules even at home. First aid does not replace calling an ambulance and qualified medical care.

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Many chemicals are powerful enough to destroy tissue in the human body. Concentrated acids and alkalis have the greatest destructive potential. When the human body is exposed to acids and alkalis, chemical burns occur. First aid for chemical burns includes generously washing the burn site with running water to remove the aggressive substance, and applying a sterile bandage to the burn site. If the chemical was swallowed or got into the eyes, then in addition to washing the stomach or eyes, you should call an ambulance.

– this is tissue damage that occurs under the influence of acids, alkalis, salts of heavy metals, caustic liquids and other chemically active substances. Chemical burns occur as a result of industrial injuries, safety violations, domestic accidents, as a result of suicide attempts, etc. The depth and severity of a chemical burn depends on:

strength and mechanism of action of a chemical substance
quantity and concentration of the chemical
duration of exposure and degree of penetration of the chemical

Based on the severity and depth of tissue damage, burns are divided into 4 degrees:

I degree (damage to the epidermis, the upper layer of skin). With a first-degree burn, there is slight redness, swelling and slight tenderness in the affected area of the skin.
II degree (damage to deeper layers of skin). A second-degree burn is characterized by the appearance of blisters with transparent contents on reddened and swollen skin.
III degree (damage to the deeper layers of the skin down to the subcutaneous adipose tissue) is characterized by the appearance of blisters filled with cloudy liquid or bloody contents, and impaired sensitivity (the burn area is painless).
IV degree burn (damage to all tissues: skin, muscles, tendons, even bones).

Most often, chemical skin burns are III and IV degree burns.

In case of burns with acids and alkalis, a scab (crust) forms at the burn site. The scab formed after alkali burns is whitish, soft, loose, spreading to adjacent tissues without sharp boundaries.
Alkaline liquids are more destructive than acidic ones due to their ability to penetrate deep into tissues.
With acid burns, the scab is usually dry and hard, with a sharply demarcated line where it transitions to healthy areas of the skin. Acid burns are usually superficial.
The color of the affected skin in a chemical burn depends on the type of chemical agent. Skin burned with sulfuric acid is initially white, and subsequently changes color to gray or brown. In case of a burn with nitric acid, the affected area of the skin has a light yellow-green or yellow-brown tint. Hydrochloric acid leaves yellow burns, acetic acid leaves off-white burns, carbolic acid leaves white burns, which then turns brown.
A burn caused by concentrated hydrogen peroxide has a grayish tint.
The destruction of tissue under the influence of a chemical substance continues even after the cessation of direct contact with it, since the absorption of the chemical substance at the burned area continues for some time. Therefore, it is very difficult to determine the extent of tissue damage in the first hours or even days after injury. The true depth of the burn is usually revealed only 7-10 days after the chemical burn, when the scab begins to fester.
The severity and danger of a chemical burn depends not only on the depth, but also on its area. The larger the area of the burn, the more dangerous it is to the life of the victim.

Providing first aid for chemical skin burns

First aid for chemical skin burns includes: prompt removal of the chemical from the affected surface, reducing the concentration of its residues on the skin by rinse with copious amounts of water, cooling the affected areas to reduce pain.

In case of a chemical burn to the skin, take the following measures:

Immediately remove clothing or jewelry that has come in contact with chemicals.
To treat the cause of the burn, rinse the chemicals from the surface of the skin by running the affected area under cold running water for at least 20 minutes. If help for a chemical burn is provided with some delay, the duration of washing is increased to 30-40 minutes.
Do not try to remove chemicals with wipes or swabs soaked in water from the affected area of the skin - this will cause you to rub the chemical into the skin even more.
If the aggressive substance that caused the burn has a powdery structure (for example, lime), then you should first remove the remaining chemical substance and only then begin to wash the burned surface. The exception is when, due to the chemical nature of the agent, contact with water is contraindicated. For example, aluminum and its organic compounds ignite when combined with water.
If the burning sensation intensifies after first washing the wound, rinse the burned area again with running water for a few more minutes.
After washing a chemical burn, it is necessary to neutralize the effect of chemicals if possible. If you are burned by acid, wash the damaged area of skin with soapy water or a 2 percent solution of baking soda (that's 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2.5 cups of water) to neutralize the acid.
If you are burned by alkali, wash the damaged area of skin with a weak solution of citric acid or vinegar. For lime burns, a 20% sugar solution is used to neutralize.
Carbolic acid is neutralized by glycerin and milk of lime.
Apply a cool, damp cloth or towel to the affected area to relieve pain.
Then cover the burned area with a loose bandage of a dry, sterile bandage or clean, dry cloth.

Minor chemical skin burns usually heal without further treatment.

For a chemical burn, seek emergency medical attention if:

The victim has signs of shock (loss of consciousness, pallor, shallow breathing).
The chemical burn has spread deeper than the first layer of skin and covers an area with a diameter of more than 7.5 cm.
A chemical burn affects the eyes, arms, legs, face, groin area, buttocks or large joint, as well as the oral cavity and esophagus (if the victim drank a chemical substance).
The victim experiences severe pain that cannot be relieved with over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

When going to the emergency room, bring a container of the chemical or a detailed description of the chemical with you to identify it. The known nature of the chemical substance makes it possible, when providing care in a hospital, to neutralize it, which is usually difficult to do in domestic conditions.

Chemical burns to the eyes

Chemical burns to the eyes occur when acids, alkalis, lime, ammonia and other aggressive chemicals get into them in everyday or industrial conditions. All chemical eye burns are considered severe eye injuries and therefore require immediate examination and treatment by a physician.

The severity of eye burns depends on the chemical composition, concentration, quantity and temperature of the substance that caused the burn, on the condition of the victim’s eyes and the general reactivity of the body, as well as on the timeliness and quality of first aid to the victim. Regardless of the type of chemical, eye burns are usually accompanied by severe subjective sensations: photophobia, cutting pain in the eye and lacrimation, and in severe cases, loss of vision. At the same time, the skin around the eyes is affected.

First aid for chemical burns to the eye should be provided immediately. The main measure in providing first aid for chemical burns to the eyes is immediate and abundant rinsing of the eyes with running water. Open the eyelids and rinse the eye for 10-15 minutes with a gentle stream of running water to remove the chemical.

You should not waste time searching for a neutralizer, since abundantly washing your eyes with running water is much more effective. For burns caused by alkalis, milk can be used for rinsing. After rinsing, apply a dry bandage (a piece of bandage or gauze). But the most important thing - in all cases of chemical eye burns - consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Chemical burns of the esophagus and stomach

Chemical burns of the esophagus and stomach occur due to accidental or intentional (with suicidal intent) ingestion of concentrated acids (acetic essence, battery electrolyte) or alkalis (ammonia). The main symptoms of chemical burns of the digestive organs are severe pain in the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach. If the upper part of the larynx is burned at the same time, patients begin to choke.

Vomiting appears with bloody mucus and fragments of burnt mucous membrane. Due to the rapid spread of the burn through the digestive tract, first aid should be provided as early as possible. First aid for chemical burns of the esophagus and stomach consists of neutralizing the chemical agents. For burns with alkalis, the stomach is washed with a weak solution of acetic acid, and for burns with acids - with a solution of baking soda. Be sure to rinse the stomach with large quantities of liquid, ensuring complete removal of the chemical agent that caused the burn. A victim with a burn to the esophagus or stomach should be sent to a medical center or hospital as soon as possible.

Shapovalov S. G., Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctoral student of the Department and Clinic of Thermal Injuries of the Military Medical Academy named after. S. M. Kirova, full member of the Society of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery of Russia, St. Petersburg.

According to WHO, thermal burns rank third among other injuries; in the Russian Federation they account for 10 - 11%. Chemical burns occur much less frequently than thermal burns and, according to various authors, account for from 2.5% to 5.1% of cases in the overall structure of burn injuries. Typical for chemical burns is their criminal origin (Fig. 1), when in this way they try to “settle scores”, have a limited area of damage and do not exceed 8 - 12% (1% is approximately the area of the victim’s palm and in an adult corresponds to 160 - 180 cm 2) skin surface.

Rice. 1. An acid burn caused by another person splashing an aggressive liquid from a container onto the victim.

In production conditions, if safety precautions are violated, a large surface of the body can be damaged by aggressive chemical liquids. As a rule, in almost 50% of cases of chemical burns, damage occurs from exposure to acids, from 20 to 25% from alkalis, and in other cases, chemical damage occurs from other aggressive chemicals (oxides, salts, etc.).

Considering the great variety of aggressive chemical compounds, the pathogenesis of their damaging effects is varied. But when considering the main chemicals found in everyday life (insecticides, sink and toilet cleaners, sewer pipe cleaners, stain removers, paint and varnish coatings, etc.), the following mechanisms of damage can be identified:

Corrosion;
Dehydration;
Oxidation;
Denaturation;
Bubble formation.

It should be noted that aggressive chemicals can be of either inorganic or organic origin. At the same time, the consequences of exposure to chemicals, in addition to chemical burns, can be other pathological manifestations on the skin in the form of dermatitis, eczema, damage to the hair follicles, and in some cases lead to poisoning as a result of the general effect on the body as a whole. The clinical picture depends on the depth of the skin lesion, the location and area of the lesion, which in turn depends on the amount of the substance ingested, its concentration, exposure time and the timeliness of first aid.

When the skin is exposed to concentrated acids and alkalis, rapid protein denaturation occurs and, as a consequence, a violation of the constancy of the internal environment of cells and their death. The clinical manifestation of a chemical burn can be necrosis (death), which occurs almost immediately after concentrated acid or alkali comes into contact with the skin.

When the skin is exposed to less concentrated acids and alkalis, the damage appears after some time, in some cases within several days, which is not observed with thermal burns.

Classification of chemical burns.

The classification of chemical burns involves four degrees (Fig. 2):

I degree - manifested mainly by hyperemia and edema;

II degree - damage to the epidermis and upper layers of the dermis;

III degree - lesions cover the entire skin;

IV degree - characterized by damage to deep tissues (muscles, fascia, bones).

Rice. 2. Classification of chemical burns. I, II, III, IV degrees of damage. 1 - epidermis, 2 - dermis and skin appendages, 3 - subcutaneous fat, 4 - muscle tissue, 5 - bone tissue.

Typical causes of chemical burns are acids and alkalis. Therefore, it is advisable to consider in this article precisely their damaging effect on the skin.

Chemical burns with acids.

The mechanism of action of acids on biological tissues has been well studied. When acid comes into contact with the skin, it causes coagulation of proteins with their subsequent transformation into acid albuminates. It is known that the intensity of acid damage depends on the concentration of hydrogen ions, as well as on lipophilicity, i.e. the ability to dissolve in fats. As a result of contact of the skin with acid, a dense dry crust is formed - a scab, which has clear boundaries, often in the form of streaks due to acid stains (Fig. 3), does not rise above the skin and in some cases it is retracted. When damaged by sulfuric acid (monohydrate (98%), crude acid (93 - 97%), "tower" (75%) acid), damage to the entire thickness of the skin often occurs - third - fourth degree burns. In addition to chemical damage to tissues, thermal effects also occur due to the release of heat. Thus, the burn is essentially thermochemical. The clinical picture is characterized by severe pain, redness of the skin around the burn area and increasing swelling. No blisters form and a brown scab with a pattern of thrombosed veins forms (Fig. 4), which is a direct sign of damage to the entire thickness of the skin and underlying tissues. The scab may be white, but then turns dark red.

Rice. 3. Acid burn, traces of aggressive liquid drips are visible.

Rice. 4. Sulfuric acid burn. The arrows indicate the “pattern” of thrombosed veins, which indicates a deep lesion (III IV degree of chemical burn).

When exposed to nitric acid, more pronounced skin damage occurs. This is explained by the influence of both hydrogen ions and anions. The clinical picture is characterized by the formation of a yellow scab (at a concentration of 30% or more).

Hydrochloric acid (from 19 to 31%) when it comes into contact with the skin in technical concentrations forms necrosis, and in lower concentrations it forms serous inflammation with the formation of thin-walled blisters with transparent contents.

Hydrofluoric (hydrofluoric) acid is characterized by particular severity and insidiousness of the lesion. It is an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride 40 - 70%. It is typical for hydrofluoric acid to remain dormant for four to six hours after contact with the skin, followed by severe pain. Bubbles appear, and when removed, gelatinous “cooked” tissue is exposed. Even when the acid is removed, its effect continues, since fluoride ions penetrate to great depths. Since the victim does not notice the onset of the acid’s action and does not take measures to neutralize it, severe injuries often occur.

A number of acids that are classified as organic can often cause general toxic manifestations. As a rule, organic acids have a weaker local damaging effect on the skin than inorganic acids. Carbolic acid and its derivatives consist of 90% phenol and 10% water. The most widely known of its derivatives is Lysol, which has an irritating and cauterizing effect. Carbolic acid, when exposed to the skin, forms a dense scab. A spasm of capillaries occurs, the skin quickly turns pale and loses sensitivity. Of course, the intensity of the damage depends on the length of time the acid remains on the skin. It should be noted that phenol is well absorbed through intact skin and a general toxic effect appears within a short time (a matter of minutes) after contact. The most dangerous is damage to the central nervous system with depression of cardiac activity.

Acetic acid (glacial (96 - 98%), vinegar essence (40 - 80%), diluted (30%), table and wine vinegar (3 - 6%)). When acetic acid gets on the skin, a thin, dense scab is formed, which prevents its further penetration into the tissue. Therefore, even when affected by a high concentration of acid, damage to the entire thickness of the skin rarely occurs.

Chemical burns from alkalis.

When damaged by alkalis, the tissue is exposed to hydroxyl radicals. Unlike acids, concentrated alkalis dissolve fats and turn them into an emulsion. Thus, the integrity of the skin is violated. As a result, unstable alkaline albuminates are formed, which are soluble in the skin and penetrate into the tissues, the dermis swells and collagen is destroyed.

As a result of the damage, foci of wet necrosis are formed - a loose, dirty white scab.

The most common alkalis are caustic soda (caustic soda), caustic potassium, slaked lime (calcium oxide hydrate), quicklime (potassium oxide).

As a result of the damaging effects of acids and alkalis, a cascade of pathological processes occurs, which manifests itself in impaired microcirculation, tissue edema and cell death.

First and emergency aid for chemical skin burns.

Providing first and emergency aid for chemical burns should be provided correctly without being injured. Protect eyes and exposed skin from vapors and splashes of aggressive liquid substances.

The first action should be to remove the chemical immediately. If there is an aggressive substance on the victim’s clothing, it is necessary to quickly remove (cut) it.

The best and safest way for others is long-term (at least 10-15 minutes) rinsing with running cold water. This technique should be used immediately after contact with an aggressive substance.

After washing, in some cases chemical neutralization can be used. Concentrated neutralizing solutions should not be used. For burns caused by concentrated acids, a “mush” of baking soda should be used. In case of alkali burn, you can use an acidified solution of low concentration.

In case of lime damage, a 20% sugar solution is used in the form of lotions, which converts calcium oxide hydrate into a neutral substance.

For burns with hydrofluoric acid, the affected skin is treated with a 10-12% ammonia solution for 1-3 minutes, followed by rinsing with water. This procedure is performed repeatedly for 30 - 40 minutes. You can apply a bandage with a mixture of glycerin and magnesium oxide.

For burns with carbolic acid, bandages with glycerin are applied.

After providing first emergency aid, the victim should be taken to a specialized hospital, where an accurate diagnosis will be established and, if necessary, treatment tactics will be determined taking into account the stages of the wound process.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Arev T.Ya. Wounds and their treatment // Guide to surgery. - M., 1962. - P. 641-657.
Arev T.Ya. Thermal lesions / T. Ya. Arev - L.: Medicine, 1966. - 699 p.
Vikhriev B.S., Burns: A Guide for Doctors / B.S. Vikhriev, V.M. Burmistrov L.: Medicine, 1986. - p. 178.
Karvayal H. Burns in children: Trans. from English. / H. Carvayal, D. Parks - M.: Medicine, 1990. - P. 47 - 52.
Paramonov B.A., Burns: A Guide for Doctors / B.A. Paramonov, Ya.O. Porembsky, V.G. Yablonsky - St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2000. - pp. 45 - 56.

A chemical burn is an injury to the membrane, and sometimes to the deeper layers of the skin, caused by exposure to an aggressive chemical reagent. It is quite easy to get damaged, because a modern person, even in everyday conditions, is surrounded by quite a lot of chemicals.

As a rule, household injuries are easily tolerated, since they are not deep. Industrial damage is much more severe, since in these cases people come into contact with more dangerous reagents.

Features of the disease

Children and men are more susceptible to injury than others. If in the latter case the risk is associated with professional activity, then children are injured at home when they come into contact with acetic acid, household chemicals, etc.

Chemical burns caused by different reagents can be fundamentally different from each other. Some do not cause such deep injuries and occur more easily, affecting only the superficial layers.

Alkali and acid burns are considered the most dangerous, as they even affect deep tissues. Acid leads not only to destruction, but also to active dehydration, so the scab will be dry and dense. Alkalis penetrate deep into the skin very quickly, since they have the ability to dissolve fatty and protein components of cells. The scab with such damage is soft and has no boundaries.

Chemical skin burn (photo)

Read more about 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th degree chemical burns.

Degrees of chemical burns

For a chemical burn:

I degree. Damage affects the epidermis. This is a minor injury, without many clinical manifestations, which does not carry any serious consequences.
II degree. There is already damage to the dermis down to the papillary layer. The main nervous and vascular structures remain intact. Blisters are already present here, the symptoms (hyperemia, pain) become more pronounced.
III a. Both the papillary layer and the elements involved in microcirculation are injured. There may be an open burn wound or a large blister containing bloody contents on the surface of the skin.
III b. The skin is burned down to the fiber.
IV degree. Deep tissues suffer - muscles, tendons, subcutaneous fat. Sometimes the injury even extends to the bone.

This video will tell you what a chemical burn is:

Causes

You can get injured due to contact with various reagents:

volatile oils (phosphorus, bitumen);
acid (acetic, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric);
household chemicals;
alkalis (barium, potassium hydroxide);
chemical compounds (gasoline, pesticides);
salts of heavy metals (zinc chloride, silver nitrate).

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the depth and extent of the lesion. It may include the following signs:

pain,
redness,
bubbles,
brown or dark wound.

The resulting scab will have a different texture, depending on the substance that caused the chemical burn. It will be moist if the substance is alkaline. This injury usually involves a large area of skin. With acid damage, the area of damage is clearly visible, the scab itself is dry.

The skin tone may also change, depending on the substance acting on it.

Diagnostics

Much attention is paid to interviewing the patient or witnesses who saw the moment of injury, since it is possible to accurately determine how much damage the burn caused only after a few days. The depth and extent of the injury are also revealed.

Read below about chemical skin burns and their treatment at home, as well as in hospital settings.

Treatment

First aid

In case of a chemical burn, first aid must be provided in a timely manner. It includes a number of actions:

You need to remove clothing if it has become saturated with the reagent, and then wash it off the skin. It is best to expose the limb to a cold stream, since the liquid should drain from the area and not remain on the body. Wiping the affected area with a towel or even immersing it in the sink is strictly prohibited! It takes about half an hour to wash off the reagent, and if it is very aggressive, such as alkali, then it will take longer. It is also necessary to keep the affected area under the stream for a long time in cases where the substance was on the skin for about 15 minutes.
Next, monitor the sensations. If a burning sensation occurs, you need to repeat the procedure of washing off the reagent.
If you know what substance caused the burn, you can neutralize its destructive effect on the skin. So, if the injury was caused by acid, prepare a weak concentration of an alkaline solution (for example, from soda), and then wash the surface. If the cause of the pathology is alkali, then use a weak acid solution (lemon, vinegar). If the nature of the substance is unknown, it is better not to wash the skin with anything, only with water.
Subsequently, a bandage is applied to the affected area. It can be dry or soaked in novocaine solution. Ointments and antiseptics are not applied so as not to interfere with doctors determining the main criteria for a burn that influence treatment tactics - its degree and depth.

It is prohibited to wash the injured area with ordinary running water in cases where the burn was caused by organic aluminum compounds.

Physiotherapeutic method

Physiotherapeutic treatment is started in the later stages of healing. Physiotherapy simultaneously stimulates tissues for better regeneration and restores a person's defenses, improves blood flow and prevents microbial activity in the wound. To treat a chemical burn, the following types of physiotherapy are used:

irradiation with infrared waves,
ultraviolet or
ultrasound.

Read below about which remedy to choose and how to treat a chemical burn at home and in a hospital setting.

This video will tell you what first aid is for chemical burns:

Medication method

Conservative treatment methods are usually used for injuries of degrees I, II, IIIa. Bandages are regularly applied to the skin, under which ointments or special antiseptic compounds are applied. This may be sufficient if the burn is limited. In cases where it affects large areas of tissue, additional infusion therapy, detoxification and antibacterial measures are carried out. All procedures take place in the burn department.

The damage is treated locally in order to create good healing conditions, accelerate regeneration, and at the same time prevent the development of pathogenic microflora in the wound. At first, for chemical skin burns, it is better to use ointments with a light texture (water-soluble). These include:

Oflocaine,
Levosin,

These medications will help clear the wound of necrotic matter and speed up recovery. For mild burns you can also use:

Bepanten,
Agrosulfan,

If the damage is deep, then ointments will be used at the very last stage, when healing begins actively.

Operation

Surgical intervention is performed not in the early period, but in the late period. The method of operation is selected individually. There are several of them:

Amputation. It is used only for very severe injuries when saving the limb is not possible. Sometimes this intervention is resorted to when necrosis spreads to healthy areas of tissue or if other methods have not brought any effect.
Necrotomy. The intervention technique involves excision of the resulting scab, which helps restore general blood supply to the damaged area. This is the only operation that can be performed urgently, since it is designed to prevent the spread of necrosis.
Necrectomy used for 3rd degree burns if the area is limited. The wound is thoroughly cleaned of dead tissue, which has a beneficial effect on overall recovery, as purulent processes are prevented.
Staged necrectomy is the intervention described above, but the operation is carried out in parts. The gentle technique helps to better tolerate the removal of extensive lesions.
Skin transplantation. If the injury covers a large area, the patient undergoes a transplant of his own or donor skin.

Disease prevention

Maintain safety when working with any chemical compounds. If the profession involves the need to use caustic acids, the employee must undergo special training.

To prevent household chemical burns you need to:

keep all chemical products tightly closed;
put containers in hard-to-reach places;
Do not store aggressive substances near food and medicine;
contact with toxic products only if the exposed surface of the body is protected;
do not allow the compounds to evaporate, and if this happens, be sure to ventilate the room.

Complications

Some substances have the property of spontaneous combustion, which creates a danger of receiving additional. We must not forget that the compounds can be toxic. In this case, they will have an even more destructive effect not only at the site of the burn, but also on the entire body.

The most common complications that occur from chemical burns are:

Kidney dysfunction (2%).
Sepsis (1%).
Shock (6%).
Lung problems (2%).
Toxemia (15%).

Forecast

The prognosis is greatly influenced by the depth of the burn and a number of other features:

aggressiveness and concentration of the reagent;
how long was the contact with the substance;
general health;
amount of chemical;
skin sensitivity.

With the first two degrees of burn, healing proceeds actively even without active drug therapy. The prognosis for grades III and IV injury is less favorable.

Dr. Komarovsky himself will tell you in this video what to do if a child has a chemical burn to the eye: