How to Treat a 2nd Degree Chemical Burn

Chemical burns can occur accidentally within your home. Household chemicals, such as bleach, drain decloggers and toilet bowl cleaners, are the cause of most home chemical accidents. These accidents tend to occur due to misuse of the products. While minor chemical burns may not require medical treatment, second degree chemical burns do require prompt medical assistance. They can cause deep tissue damage, formation of blisters and blackening of skin on the affected area.

Things You'll Need

• Cold water
• Scissors
• Sterile bandage
• Disinfectants
• Tetanus shot
• Antibiotics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean off any remaining chemicals and cool the affected area with cold water. The Mayo Clinic recommend keeping the affected skin submerged in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes.

• 2

  Remove any clothing that was exposed to the chemical to prevent further burning of the skin. To avoid further exposure to the chemical when pulling clothing up and over your head, cut away clothing. If you can't cut away your clothing, let a medical professional remove the remainder.

• 3

  Loosely wrap the burn with a sterile bandage. If you're experiencing severe pain, blistering or darkening of the skin, see a physician. He may remove ruptured blisters and apply disinfectants to clean the area.

• 4

  If you are due for one, your physician may also recommend a tetanus shot and prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

• 5

  For minor pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can provide relief by reducing inflammation of your wound. If the pain lasts for more than a couple of days or worsens, see your doctor.