How to Cool Chemical Burns on Skin

Chemical burns can occur in any number of places, including home, school and work, especially in factories that use a lot of chemicals. The burns usually happen when an acid or alkali substance comes into contact with the skin or mucous membrane. Toilet cleaners, battery acid, paint removers, lime, dishwasher products, metal compounds and hydrocarbons are all common causes of chemical burns. The pain resulting from a chemical burn can be mild to severe depending on the substance and the amount of time it was left on exposed skin. Treating a chemical burn is similar to any burn. The goal is to cool down the skin, calm the victim and prevent infection.

Things You'll Need

• Wet compress
• Clean cloth
• Ibuprofen
• Aloe vera

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Quickly and thoroughly remove the chemical that's causing the burn. Rinse off the chemicals with cool tap water for at least 20 minutes. Continue until the victim is experiencing less pain. You may need to scrub off chemicals that have dried. Remove any jewelry or clothing that has come into contact with the chemical.

• 2

  Apply a cold, wet compress to the site of the burn. This will help cool down the skin and relieve the burn. Wrap the area with a clean cloth, tight enough to protect it without cutting off circulation. Rinse off the burned area again if the victim continues to feel a severe burning sensation.

• 3

  Take ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. This will provide temporary relief and allow you to sleep and relax, both of which are very important when recovering from a burn.

• 4

  Treat blistered, irritated, burning skin with aloe vera gel. The gel from the leaf of the aloe plant works effectively to cool and soothe the skin after a chemical burn.