Most of us have life experience in providing assistance with thermal burns (in everyday life this could be hot tea, coffee or a hot stove). But not many people know what to do if they are burned by an alkali, acid or other chemical reagent. You need to know its symptoms possible consequences, as well as what to do first in case of a chemical burn. In this case, first aid is of key importance, and it will provide important role in subsequent recovery.

Peculiarities

WITH scientific point In terms of vision, an alkali burn is characterized by the fact that upon contact with human skin, it begins to corrode its tissue (similar to corrosion). At home, such burns are less dangerous than at work. After all, at home we use reagents with significantly lower concentrations:

• Lime (slaked and not);
• Caustic soda;
• Ammonia.

More dangerous, concentrated, toxic substances are used in production, so when an injury occurs, surgical intervention is required much more often and quickly.

Signs of an alkali burn

Such a burn has its own characteristic signs. When alkali gets on our skin, it begins to destroy tissue, and with longer exposure it affects the deep layers of the dermis and fiber. A chemical burn from an alkali is similar to an injury from an acid. A burn from alkali has its own peculiarity - the formation of a scab (a crust covering the surface of the wound). It is soft, loose, and does not have clear boundaries when moving to adjacent areas of the skin; a white tint predominates. Its formation and separation is slow, because of this the healing process of the wound underneath it slows down. Sometimes scars remain at the site of injury.

Characteristic symptoms of an alkali burn:

• Redness of the affected area;
• Skin irritation;
• Slight swelling may occur;
• Accompanied by severe pain, since the substance affects not only the epithelium, but also nearby tissues;
• Burning;
• Feeling of “soapy” skin. This occurs due to the emulsification (release) of fats sebaceous glands, which are located on the epidermis.

Degree of damage

The severity of an alkali burn and its depth depend on the following factors:

• Volume, concentration and nature of the reagent.
• Duration of contact.

The longer the alkaline solution is exposed, the more concentrated its composition, the stronger the damage will be. There are four degrees of alkali burn:

First degree

Only the top layer of skin tissue is affected. The only signs observed are redness, slight swelling, and tolerable pain at the site of the lesion.

Second degree

The main difference from other degrees is the appearance of small blisters with liquid contents. The deeper layers of the skin are affected. Other symptoms are similar to first-degree lesions.

Third degree

Subcutaneous fat tissue is often affected. The aggressive substance penetrates into even deeper levels of the skin. A sharp pain is felt, large blisters with a cloudy liquid (rarely interspersed with blood) appear. This type of injury cannot be completely treated at home.

Fourth degree

Most dangerous look burn, since muscles, epithelium, adipose tissue, tendons, and bone tissue are affected. This type of injury represents great danger for human health and requires surgical intervention in the form removing dead tissues and toxic substances.

First aid for alkali burns

Skin burn

First aid for alkali burns, if provided correctly, significantly reduces the chance of negative consequences. First of all, quickly remove any clothing that contains the chemical. Next, the chemical must be eliminated. For alkali burns, the affected area of ​​skin is washed with water and then neutralized Chemical properties using acid. You can use the solution at home citric acid or vinegar. It is worth canceling several features of washing:

• If you do it immediately after an injury, the duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. Otherwise, rinsing is carried out for 30 minutes.
• If the composition was in powder form, you first need to remove its remnants from the skin, then you can start washing.
• Prohibited use wet wipes or towels, this will only increase the rate of penetration of the substance.
• The exception for washing is quicklime. It is strictly forbidden to contact the affected area with water! The reaction that will arise as a result of their contact will aggravate the situation.
• If the injury is caused by slaked lime, the usual washing is carried out, and then additionally using a sugar solution (10-15 g of sugar per 250 ml of water).

To reduce pain, you can then apply a cold bandage, towel, or napkin. If you have a second degree burn and you have blisters, do not try to open them under any circumstances. This should only be done by a healthcare professional. You can only apply a sterile bandage to prevent infection, dirt, and dust from getting into the wound.

In more severe cases, when first aid for an alkali burn has been provided, immediately call for medical help. First of all, you need to call a doctor if:

• Signs of shock appear (pallor, decreased breathing, loss of consciousness);
• The radius of the lesion is more than 4 cm;
• The face, eyes, oral cavity, and esophagus are affected.
• Severe pain that could not be relieved with painkillers.

Eye burn

Eye burns from alkali are less common than injury to the surface epithelium. In such a situation, you must quickly call ambulance. This type of lesion has some of its own, different symptoms.

• Photophobia;
• lacrimation;
• Cutting at the site of damage;
• Not only the eyeball is affected, but also the area around it;
• With complex injuries, vision loss may occur.

The severity of the wound also depends on the temperature of the alkaline substance.

The victim needs emergency help for an eye burn from alkali. The main thing at this moment is to rinse the mucous membrane.

• Pull back the eyelid of the affected eye and carefully, in a thin stream, wash the alkali from the mucous membrane. Duration: 20 minutes.
• Take the patient to the doctor.

Treatment of a chemical burn

What to do if you are burned by alkali? Drug treatment depends on the degree, location, size of the injury. Therapy consists of following the following procedures:

Often, with an alkaline burn, a person loses control and does not understand what to do. But you need to calm down and be aware that first aid has strong influence on the future condition of the victim.

Any chemical burn, like a thermal burn itself, is characterized by damage to the human body upon contact with chemicals that can cause tissue destruction.

These are in most cases acid, alkali, volatile oils, bitumen, kerosene and gasoline, phosphorus, etc. Moreover, most often the affected areas belong to the upper extremities, less often to the lower extremities, and even less often to the torso. But sometimes such a burn affects the eyes, face, or organs of the esophagus and oral cavity.

It must be taken into account that the consequences of such a burn depend on the depth, severity of penetration and concentration of the chemical, as well as on the quality of timely treatment provided. In this material we will look at the types of chemical burns, their photos, and also find out what first aid should be given to a person at home for a chemical burn of the skin.

Degrees of chemical burns

With such burns, the skin of the face, hands, esophagus and stomach are most often affected. The main substances that cause burns are acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, hydrofluoric, etc.), alkalis (caustic soda, caustic potash, etc.), gasoline, kerosene, heavy metal salts (zinc chloride, silver nitrate, etc.) , some volatile oils, phosphorus, bitumen.

The severity of damage to the skin and mucous membranes during a chemical burn depends on the concentration of the substance and the duration of its action on the tissue. In total, it is customary to distinguish 4 degrees of severity of burns caused by chemical substances:

• 4th degree. The lesion affects all tissues, including skin covering, muscles and tendons.
• 3rd degree. Those layers of the skin that are located near the fatty subcutaneous tissue are affected. Characteristics, characteristic of a burn of this degree, consist in the appearance of bubbles with a cloudy liquid or mixed with blood. In the affected area, sensitivity is impaired, that is, the victim does not feel pain within it.
• 2nd degree. In this case, the lesion affects, in addition to the upper layer of the skin, its deeper layers. A burn of this degree is characterized by manifestations in the form of swelling and redness, in addition, bubbles filled with a transparent liquid also appear.
• 1st degree. Only the top layer of the skin is affected. Among the main manifestations that accompany this type of burn are slight swelling and redness of the skin. In addition, mild pain also occurs in the affected area.

It is noteworthy that the signs of a chemical burn do not fully appear immediately, so their degree can be assessed only after first aid has been provided. The first symptom is a burning pain at the site where the chemical entered and slight redness. If you do not immediately begin to provide assistance, the burn will go from 1st degree to 2nd and even 3rd, as the substance continues to act, penetrating deeper into the layers of tissue.

First aid for chemical burns

At home, 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 rinsing with plenty of water for 15-30 minutes, cooling the affected areas to reduce pain.

1. At chemical burns with acid For neutralization, use a 2-3% solution of baking soda.
2. For burns with alkalis - 1-2% solution of citric, boric or acetic acid.
3. In case of lime burns, first remove the remaining lime using a dry method and only then rinse off the affected area for a long time and vigorously.
4. In case of phosphorus burns, it is necessary to throw off burning clothes or throw any cloth moistened with water over the burning surface. Extinguish the phosphorus flame with a stream of tap water or a 1-2% solution of copper sulfate. All visible particles of phosphorus are removed with tweezers, after which a bandage is applied to the burned surface, abundantly moistened with a 2% solution of copper sulfate, a 5% solution of soda bicarbonate or a 3-5% solution of potassium permanganate.

Then you can apply a sterile bandage made of gauze, but not cotton wool - it cannot be used. During the process of neutralizing the chemical agent, clothing in contact with the burned area, watches and jewelry are carefully removed from the victim. To reduce the inflammatory process, the affected area of ​​the skin is washed with cool water, and the victim must be given a strong analgesic (pain can occur until loss of consciousness).

For a chemical burn seek emergency medical attention, If:

1. The victim has signs of shock (loss of consciousness, pallor, shallow breathing).
2. The victim feels severe pain that cannot be relieved with the help of, for example, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
3. 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.
4. Affected are the eyes, hands, feet, face, groin area, buttocks or large joints, as well as the mouth and esophagus (if the victim drank the chemical).

When going to the emergency room, take a container of the chemical or its detailed description for identification. 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 burn of the esophagus

It may happen that the chemical has entered the esophagus and stomach. This could be done intentionally or it could be an accident. Very often, such substances are battery electrolyte and vinegar essence.

More rare cases are alkalis or concentrated acids entering the esophagus and stomach. The victim experiences severe pain in the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, larynx and stomach. If the larynx is damaged, the patient may feel short of air. Vomiting appears with bloody mucus and pieces of the stomach mucosa, which is separated due to the burn.

Because of this kind burns spread very quickly, the patient needs immediate first aid, which first involves gastric lavage. It can be washed with a solution of baking soda if we are talking about a burn with acids, or with a weak solution of acetic acid if we are talking about a burn with alkalis. IN in this case a person needs to be given not just a large, but a really huge amount of liquid to drink, which will make it possible to completely get rid of the chemical component.

In case of such burns, you should call emergency doctors as soon as possible or take the patient to the hospital yourself.

Chemical burn to the eye

A chemical burn to the eye is always considered a serious situation from the point of view of treatment in ophthalmology. It all depends on the degree of damage, on the agent, on the depth of penetration. Such a burn can sometimes lead not only to weakened vision, but even to its complete loss.

• Chemical burns of the eye with acid are the “easiest” to treat compared to other types of agents.
• Chemical burns of the eye with alkali are difficult to treat because they cause hydrolysis of the protein structure itself, which destroys cells and can quickly lead to wet necrosis. This can affect the intraocular fluid and significantly increase intraocular pressure.

In case of a chemical burn to the eye, as first aid it is necessary to do copious rinsing and urgently contact a specialist; it is better to call an ambulance.

Thermal skin burn

Thermal burns occur due to exposure to fire, steam, hot water(boiling water), sunlight, etc. The most common thermal burns are caused by fire, accounting for 84 per 1000 victims. The second place is occupied by thermal burns received from hot liquids, the third place is occupied by electrical burns.

There are three degrees of such burns:

• I degree – redness of the skin, swelling of the skin;
• II degree - the appearance of blisters filled with clear liquid at the burn site;
• III degree - third degree thermal burns are divided into two types: IIIA (dermal, damage to the upper layers of the skin) and IIIB (death of all layers of the skin, when a necrotic scab forms).

Chemical burns can cause irreparable harm to human health.

Therefore, it is very important to be able to provide first aid to the victim. In most cases, the degree of damage and the consequences of the burn will depend on this.

It is important to understand the significant difference between chemical and thermal burns. For burns caused by chemical reagents, it is necessary to clearly know the antidotes that neutralize the effects of a particular chemical reagent. What to do in case of a chemical burn? How to treat a chemical burn? Is it possible to treat a chemical burn at home? Let's talk about everything in order - in this collection of material.

Chemical skin burn: features, symptoms, diagnosis

A chemical burn is a violation of the integrity of the tissues of the human body under the influence of chemical agents.

This type of burn often becomes more dangerous than a thermal burn. This is due to the type of aggressive chemical substance and the duration of action of the reagent. The process of cell destruction and chemical absorption may continue even after the chemical component is eliminated, which often makes it difficult to determine the extent of the damage in a timely manner.

Chemical burns occur as a result of non-compliance with safety regulations when working with chemicals or in accidents at home (intentionally or through negligence).

The external symptoms of chemical burns differ depending on the effect of the chemical substance. Most often, acidic or alkaline drugs become the source of damage.

• When skin is exposed to alkali , the resulting scab is looser, with blurred boundaries. Alkaline liquids are able to penetrate deeper into the skin than acids, causing more extensive damage to soft tissues.
• When exposed to acid skin, A dense, dry crust (eschar) with clear contours forms at the site of the lesion.

Burns caused by exposure to chemical acids are mostly superficial. The name of the affected acid can be determined by the color of the affected skin.

• Upon contact with sulfuric acid, the skin first becomes white, then turns gray. With prolonged contact, the burn becomes darker, browner.
• Effect on skin nitric acid leads to a change in the skin to a yellow-green or brown-yellow color (depending on the duration of contact).
• After exposure of hydrochloric acid , the skin turns noticeably yellow.
• Burn caused acetic acid , becomes dark brown in color.
• Carboxylic acid causes whitening of the damaged skin area, which eventually changes to a brown color.

The degree of damage can be diagnosed as accurately as possible only after a few days (when the scab area begins to suppurate). The longer the effect of chemical components on body tissue and the larger the affected area, the more dangerous the burn is for human health and life. Therefore, in case of chemical burns, it is very important to provide first aid to the victim, and then immediately seek qualified medical assistance.

It is in the hospital that, based on the nature of the existing injuries, the depth of penetration, the concentration of the chemical reagent and the duration of its exposure, the degree of the resulting chemical burn will be determined and treatment will be prescribed.

No less dangerous is the general toxic poisoning of the body by aggressive chemical component. That is why it is sometimes so difficult to diagnose from an area of ​​damaged skin all the negative effects of the reagent on the human body and possible consequences.

In addition to skin damage, chemical burns can damage the eyes or internal organs, in particular the gastrointestinal tract. Body areas with thin skin(face, skin folds, genital area) are more affected, since the thickness of the epidermis there is the smallest.

Degrees of chemical burns

There are 4 main degrees of chemical burns.

• Idegree

Only the top layer of skin is affected, and there is slight swelling and redness of the area. The burn is accompanied by moderate pain; treatment is carried out at home.

• IIdegree

With a second degree burn, not only the top layer of the skin is damaged, but also the lower tissues. The burn is accompanied by swelling, redness and the appearance of blisters with clear serous fluid. The level of pain and sensitivity becomes higher than in the first degree, but with a small burn area, the patient does not need hospitalization.

• IIIdegree

There is deep tissue damage and necrosis, right down to the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Small blisters with cloudy liquid, sometimes with blood, appear at the damaged area. The sensitivity of the skin is significantly reduced and the patient practically does not feel pain at the burn site. The victim needs hospitalization, since spontaneous healing of the wound often becomes impossible.

• IVdegree

The most dangerous degree, in which not only the skin, muscle tissue, but also tendons and bones. Surgical care is provided in an inpatient hospital setting.

Rules for the treatment of chemical burns

There are a number of rules, the use of which in emergency situations will help to significantly alleviate the condition of the victim and reduce the effect of the reagent on the body.

• First aid for chemical burns should be provided without delay or fuss. You need to act calmly and judiciously. How well and correctly first aid is provided to the victim will determine the success of further treatment.
• It is especially important to know the rules of first aid for people working with chemicals. Indeed, in such situations, the risks of getting a chemical injury are much greater.

• Knowledge of the basic antidotes listed below will help to quickly neutralize the active substance.
• After receiving first aid, the patient must consult a doctor to eliminate possible negative consequences after a burn.
• The main rule of first aid is not to harm the victim.
• The key rules for treating chemical burns, in addition to providing qualified first aid to the victim, boil down to drying the wound, treating it with antiseptics (to prevent suppuration) and using drugs that improve blood circulation and tissue regeneration processes.

First aid for a chemical burn

First aid for chemical burns can radically change the subsequent treatment process, both for the better and for the worse. Therefore, before providing assistance to the victim, you need to be 100% confident in your knowledge so as not to harm the injured person.

• First of all, in case of a chemical burn, it is important to stop the action of the chemical agent. Therefore, if the substance gets on clothing, it must be removed or cut immediately.
• If there are remnants of powdered chemicals on the skin, they are first shaken off the skin and only then the remnants are washed off.
• The damaged area of ​​the skin is thoroughly washed with running water, thereby reducing the concentration of the chemical, the depth of its penetration, cooling the skin and reducing pain. The wound should be washed for 10 to 30 minutes.

The exception is burns caused by alkali, quicklime, and organoaluminum compounds!

• If the burn is caused by acid, affected area of ​​skin washed with 1-2% soda solution, and then apply a tampon soaked in ammonia solution(alcohol is diluted with water). You cannot “extinguish” a burn with an alkali solution - this will lead to a new burn, only one already caused by the alkali. The action of dilute acid is more dangerous than concentrated acid. This is due to the fact that highly concentrated acid instantly causes protein coagulation, forming a dense scab, preventing the burn from deepening. Exposure of the skin to highly toxic hydrofluoric acid, used, for example, for etching glass, is especially dangerous.
• Alkali burn dangerous due to its rapid penetration deep into tissues. Such a burn Do not immediately rinse with water. The hydroxyl group of the alkali under the influence of water will contribute to deeper penetration of the chemical into human tissue. Affected area of ​​skin washed with 1-2% solution of acetic or citric acid(not concentrated).
• Burn caused by quicklime Also cannot be treated with water, since the interaction produces slaked lime (a strong base). In this situation better place Apply grease to the burn and consult a doctor.
• Burn caused by pesticides and herbicides, process ethyl alcohol or gasoline. After providing first aid, the victim should be taken to the hospital for administration of an antidote.
• Burn area caused by phosphorus, immerse completely in water to prevent spontaneous combustion of the reagent. After this, having removed the phosphorus particles present on the skin, apply a bandage soaked in a weak solution. potassium permanganate.

• Phenolic burn neutralized by solution alcohol or vodka.

• After washing and neutralizing the chemical reagent, apply to the burn site sterile dry dressing.

Cotton wool cannot be used for bandaging!

• In case of severe pain, the patient can be given painkiller medicine.
• Before the ambulance arrives, the victim needs to drink as much fluid as possible (for example, tea or mineral water).

Treatment of chemical burns

• The main rule for treating chemical burns, including at home, is to use medicines only after consultation and examination by a doctor. For safety and positive effect, you should not self-medicate, risking your health and life.
• To treat chemical burns to the skin, it is recommended to lubricate the affected area with special medicinal ointments ( Fusiderm, Solcoseryl). Burns caused by chemicals require subsequent cell regeneration and blood supply, which is what the action of the above ointments is aimed at.
• Such products also have an excellent restorative, disinfecting, healing and drying effect. drugs, like Bepanten, Panthenol, ichthyol ointment, sea buckthorn oil.
• Alcohol-free iodine or preparations containing silver have an antiseptic, disinfectant, drying and analgesic effect.
• There are also folk recipes, promoting wound healing after thermal and chemical burns. These include compresses based on medicinal herbs: chamomile, oak bark, hop cones. Having prepared decoctions of these herbs, take a sterile bandage, moisten it and apply it to the wound for 15 minutes. You can prepare a medicinal ointment based on aloe leaves. To do this, take 2-3 aloe leaves, wash them, cut off the thorns and grind them into a “gruel”. Melted fat (pork or interior fat) is added to this mass; after cooling, the ointment is ready for use. Application folk recipes However, it is better to discuss with your doctor.

Xchemical burneyes

Chemical burns of the eye are one of the most difficult aspects from the point of view of treatment in ophthalmology. The danger of such burns is the possible weakening or complete loss of vision. This directly depends on the degree of damage, the depth of penetration and, directly, the type of chemical reagent that gets into the eye.

• In practice, a chemical burn of the eye with acid is considered less difficult than contact with an alkaline solution. This is explained by the fact that acids provoke instant coagulation of proteins and, therefore, not deep penetration of the reagent. The exceptions are nitric, sulfuric, and hydrofluoric acids. If alkali gets into the eye, the reagent destroys cells and can lead to tissue necrosis.
• Providing first aid for chemical burns of the eye comes down to copious rinsing of the eye and calling an ambulance. Provide at home qualified assistance with such lesions is impossible.

Xchemical burn of the mouth or esophagus

• This type of burn is one of the most difficult to treat and restore.
• In such situations, it is impossible to provide first aid by neutralizing the chemical agent. Only if we are talking about a chemical burn of the oral cavity, you can try to rinse the oral mucosa with water before the ambulance arrives (if this is allowed by the type of chemical involved).
• The main task of providing first aid for burns digestive system- urgently call an ambulance.

Xfacial burn

• The skin of the face is thin and sensitive, and with severe chemical burns, the chemical reagent can disrupt the regenerative function of skin cells, which leads to the formation of scar tissue. From an aesthetic point of view, such “traces” on the face disfigure a person’s appearance and give rise to psychological problems. From a medical point of view, rough scars disrupt the motor and excretory functions of the skin.

• Nowadays this has become popular cosmetic procedure like peeling with fruit acids. If the dosage and concentration of the acid solution is incorrect, a shallow first-degree chemical burn may also occur. Such a cosmetic burn often requires a subsequent rather long course of treatment.

Thus, chemical burns pose a serious danger to human health and life, and therefore require qualified medical treatment. But, having information about the features different types burns and their treatment, you can provide first aid to the victim in time. Correct and timely actions before the ambulance arrives can significantly alleviate the patient’s condition and contribute to his speedy recovery.

Chemical burn, photo

Video: “First aid for a chemical burn”

A chemical skin burn is damage to body tissues due to interaction with chemically aggressive substances and environments. In mild forms of burns, inflammation and swelling of tissues occur; in more complex forms, their integrity is damaged. The risk of getting a chemical burn increases in industrial conditions (in laboratories, workshops, preparation rooms, etc.). In everyday life, such situations arise much less frequently, but the risks still remain.

Risk factors for chemical skin burns

At home, products can be dangerous household chemicals that are regularly used in everyday life:

• cleaning products for pipes and toilets;
• whitening preparations;
• pool cleaning products;
• gasoline and so on.

In industrial conditions, such drugs include salts of heavy metals, chemical reagents, acids, alkalis, aggressive chemical environments, etc.

Symptoms of chemical burns and their degrees

Symptoms of chemical burns depend on the degree and area of ​​tissue damage. In total, there are 4 degrees of severity of burns.

Grade 1 is characterized by damage to the upper layers of the dermis and is accompanied by redness of the skin, tissue swelling and pain on palpation.

Grade 2 is expressed by damage to the deeper layers of the dermis with the appearance of blisters filled with liquid exudate.

Grade 3 is caused by damage to the fatty layer of the dermis and connective tissue. Due to damage to nerve cells, the sensitivity of the tissue at the burn site decreases, the pain dulls, and the skin becomes whiter. The first signs of tissue necrosis appear.

Grade 4 is characterized by damage not only to soft tissues, but also to bones. Fourth degree burns are the most dangerous and very difficult to treat.

Providing first aid for chemical burns

In case of chemical damage to the skin, it is important to provide emergency assistance to the victim in a timely manner, since the favorable outcome of subsequent treatment depends on this. First aid measures for chemical burns are carried out according to the following approximate algorithm:

1. Remove the victim's clothing that has come into contact with the chemical.
2. Clean the skin from chemical residues (rinse with plenty of running water).
3. Clean the skin with a mild soap solution.
4. Apply a sterile napkin to the wound.
5. Seek medical help from specialists as soon as possible.

Treatment of chemical burns

Treatment methods for chemical burns depend on the degree of tissue damage and the area of ​​the burned surface. Mild burns (grade 1 and 2) can be treated at home using medications and folk remedies. Burns severe forms(grades 3 and 4) are treated in a hospital setting under the strict supervision of medical personnel.

Drug treatment chemical burns is aimed at healing wounds, removing swelling and redness of tissues, restoring the protective functions of the dermis and accelerating regenerative processes. For this purpose, ointments with a healing effect, antiseptic and antimicrobial drugs (to prevent infections in injured areas), hypertonic solutions, bactericidal ointments and fungicidal drugs are used.

Folk remedies for the treatment of chemical burns should cool and heal the skin. Raw potatoes, strong brewed black tea, cucumber juice, potato starch, etc. are effective.

Potato starch mask

1. Dilute 3-4 tablespoons of potato starch with warm water to the consistency of sour cream.
2. Apply a layer of half a centimeter to the affected skin.
3. Leave for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse off with cool water.

Tea compress

1. Brew 2-3 tablespoons of black tea in a teapot.
2. Leave and cool until room temperature(you can add ice cubes to the brew for faster cooling).
3. Soak clean gauze in the tea leaves and apply to the affected area.
4. Change compresses as the gauze warms from the skin.

Prevention

In order to prevent chemical burns at home and at work, attention should be paid to compliance with safety regulations. In everyday life, you should carefully handle household chemicals; in industry, you should conduct safety classes with employees, first aid drills, etc.

Chemical burns are damage to the skin using various chemicals. Statistics show that most often burns of this type affect the upper and lower extremities, body and head. Less common are injuries to the respiratory system or digestive tract. First aid for a chemical burn is very important; it should consist of complete regeneration of the pH level of the skin.

Types of damage

You can get such an injury for several reasons; they determine what to do in case of a chemical burn in the future and how exactly the first aid will be provided. may be a consequence of skin interaction with:

• salts of heavy metals;
• various acids;
• alkalis;
• all kinds of active chemicals.

To determine what exactly caused the damage, you need to pay attention to its external signs. During acid burns, the damaged area becomes covered with a white crust. After some time it turns brown or black. In case of a chemical burn of the skin with hydrochloric acid, the skin turns yellow; in case of injury with nitrogen, the color of the skin becomes yellow and acquires a brown or greenish tint. The skin's reaction to alkalis is manifested by the formation of a moist or gelatinous crust. If the injured area becomes infected, the skin becomes tight and dry after a few days. During an alkaline burn, fats are saponified and proteins are dissolved. This causes the formation of such a wound.

Providing first aid for chemical burns also depends on the severity of the injury.

There are four main types of gravity
The first degree is an injury, which is accompanied by the formation of swelling and redness of the skin. If the damage occurs as a result of interaction with acids, then the skin becomes covered with thin dried crusts. If the injury is caused by alkalis, then the skin forms after some time, and it is moist. The damaged area does not lose its sensitivity and is completely restored after a week.
In the case of the second degree of severity, the damage is deeper. Symptoms of this type of injury include redness and the formation of thin layers of necrosis. As a result of thermochemical damage, blisters may occur. Often, second degree burns do not recover.
Third degree injury causes multiple layers of skin to die. The skin wrinkles and changes its appearance, and in the area of ​​necrosis that has occurred, the skin swells.
The most severe degree is considered to be the fourth. It is characterized by the death and destruction of all soft tissues (bones, muscles, blood vessels, etc.).

Urgent Care

At home, first aid for chemical burns must be provided in the correct order. If everything is done according to special rules, then further treatment results will be as positive as possible.

The initial first aid actions for a chemical skin burn should be removing clothing and other items from the body that have come into contact with the aggressive substance. Next, you need to rinse the damaged area under cool water for 20 minutes. If the washing was not timely, then its duration should be increased to 35-40 minutes. Never try to remove the chemical using napkins or cotton wool. this procedure will cause even more harm.

If the injury occurred as a result of exposure of the skin to a powdered chemical, then first aid for such a chemical burn should consist of removing the substance from the wounded area, because some powdered chemicals. substances react with water and ignite, leading to vaporization or boiling.

Next, you need to secure the remaining chemicals in the wound. If the damage was caused by acids coming into contact with the human skin, the wound is washed with a two percent solution of baking soda or soap and water. In the event that the cause of the injury was the interaction of alkalis with the skin, treatment must be carried out using acetic or citric acid.

Providing first aid and suppression reactions carboxylic acids possible with the help of fermented milk products or preparations containing glycerin, and chemicals. lime substances - a two percent solution of granulated sugar.

If the victim complains of severe pain, then one of the stages of emergency care should be taking a painkiller.

After first aid is provided for chemical burns, it is necessary to protect the area of ​​the injured skin from all kinds of infections. A gauze bandage is applied to the affected area (using cotton wool is strictly prohibited). The following actions should be carried out by doctors, whom it is advisable to contact if any injury of this type occurs.

Signs that require emergency medical attention:

• the victim faints, breathing becomes impaired and the skin color changes;
• aggressive substances enter the eyes, mouth or digestive tract;
• the burn area is quite large;
• pain does not disappear after taking an anesthetic;
• the wounds are deep and their area exceeds 10 cm.

Eye burn

Signs that determine:

• fear of light;
• excessive production of tears;
• cutting pain in this area;
• redness.

If you do not seek help from specialists in a timely manner, there is a chance of permanently losing your vision.

Providing first first aid in this case it should be as fast and high quality as possible. The eyes are rinsed under running water for about twenty minutes; if the damage occurs due to interaction with alkalis, then milk can be used for the rinsing procedure. After this, urgently call an ambulance team, which will take all necessary measures to prevent all possible consequences.

Damage to the digestive tract

The following symptoms characterize:

• sharp pain;
• burning in the esophagus and stomach;
• severe pain in the throat and swelling in the mouth;
• vomiting with blood;
• Sometimes when vomiting, pieces of the injured mucous membrane come out.

In such cases, a weak vinegar solution is used to eliminate alkali chemicals. For acid burns, wash the stomach using a solution of ordinary soda. In this case, it is almost impossible to help the victim on your own, so immediately seek help from experienced specialists.