First aid for chemical burns consists of a list of the following measures:

Symptoms of defeat

Chemical burns, according to statistics, in most cases are the result of careless handling of chemicals at work or in everyday life.

The manifestation of chemical burns depends on the nature and dynamics of the interaction of the body with a specific active substance.

Some basic manifestations common to the entire spectrum of chemical burns are:

Depending on the level of complexity of the injuries, the first aid measures and the general picture of treatment measures are also determined. The more acute the symptoms, the more urgent and effective the assistance should be.

Treatment: features of the process and algorithm of measures

What to do in case of a chemical burn if there were no specialized medical supplies at hand? You can always use time-tested and experience-proven methods, the effectiveness of which has been proven empirically.

For example, ordinary baking soda in a 2% solution neutralizes the effects of acids, and citric acid or vinegar perfectly overcome alkali in any proportion. Sugar in a 2% solution effectively neutralizes lime. Milk of lime or glycerin neutralizes carbolic acid.

It is worth noting that if the active substance is in powder form, it is recommended to first remove it from the affected area of ​​the skin, avoiding contact with water.

For example, aluminum, which is a potent reagent, tends to ignite when combined with the composition of water, which can cause additional negative consequences.

It is also not recommended to cleanse skin damaged by chemical burns using wet wipes and specialized hygiene products. The components in their composition can only provoke the further development of pathogenic processes, and aggravate the consequences of the defeat.

Providing first aid for chemical burns requires at least minimal preliminary preparation, since the nature and dynamics of the lesion in question is significantly different from domestic thermal damage.

Nature of occurrence

A chemical burn can be caused by many aggressive substances that, in interaction with living organic tissue, cause significant damage. Namely, these are:

It is worth noting that the nature of the damage in question is quite complex and does not respond well to the treatment process. The biochemistry of our body is structured in such a way that any external influence is perceived as extremely painful, and can have lethal consequences.

If we consider a chemical burn of the eye, first aid consists in immediate washing of the damaged tissue until it is completely cleansed, and a further complex of restorative measures.

An important factor in this case is the timeliness of the provision of medical care, since even the slightest delay can lead to irreversible results. In the worst case, this damage threatens complete blindness.

If a more extensive area of ​​the face is affected by the harmful effects, an antiseptic agent and a sterile bandage must be applied when providing assistance. Only in this case will it be possible to avoid further infectious damage to the tissues and structures of the body.

Professional Intervention: Grounds for Concern

A number of cases of chemical burns of tissues require surgical intervention. In particular, you must immediately call “ ambulance», If the area of ​​damaged skin exceeds 7.5 centimeters in diameter, and the lesions are deep. In addition, damage is considered to be especially dangerous if it includes:

• legs;
• arms;
• large joints;
• buttocks;
• face,
• oral cavity.

A separate category of lesions under consideration is damage to the esophagus, which in some cases can be fatal to the body. If this damage occurs, first of all, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the victim's stomach, using the most gentle methods. It is natural that the most effective in this case is professional intervention.

Another significant reason to seek qualified medical help is the victim's shock (fainting, fever, possible hallucinations, chills).

It is also worth noting that a burn of this type in most cases is accompanied by severe painful sensations. It is possible to eliminate them for a while with the help of a range of commonly available analgesics, but their effect is temporary. After using analgesics, discomfort can, on the contrary, only intensify.

If the desired effect of taking drugs is completely absent, you should immediately consult a doctor, since these manifestations of a burn are symptoms of much more complex pathologies developing in the body. In some cases, even the use of antibiotics is possible.

Damage to tissues through the action of chemicals has rather long-term consequences, which can be eliminated only with the complex action of effective first aid, therapeutic measures and restorative therapy.

In addition, in the future, the body of a person affected in this way requires more careful medical supervision and drug support. Difficulties in the functioning of the immune system, an increase in the threshold of sensitivity to physical and emotional-psychological stress are possible.

Chemical damage to tissues leads to chemical burns. Most often they occur at work or at home in case of violation of safety rules when working with acids and concentrated alkalis. Getting on the skin or inside the body, these substances entail overheating of tissues and the appearance of a jelly-like or hard crust. The process is accompanied by severe pain syndrome and requires immediate medical attention..

Table of contents:

Causes of chemical burns

In addition to emergency situations, when burns appear due to inept handling of aggressive solutions, there are also other reasons:

• Oversight- is the cause of the development of chemical burns in children. In this case, the kids drink or spill on themselves household chemicals found in the house.
• Wrong choice of indoor plants- when potentially dangerous representatives of wildlife are acquired, emitting juice that can leave chemical burns on the body.
• - when someone deliberately takes illegal drugs by mouth.

Depending on the origin and concentration of aggressive substances, as well as the time of their exposure, chemical burns of varying degrees occur on the body or internal organs.

Chemical burn of the skin

This is the most common diagnosis given to patients who have been in contact with acids or alkalis.... The doctor can determine the nature of the substance by examining the damage they caused.

So, alkalis , due to deep penetration deep into the tissues, they affect both the area of ​​the skin on which they hit, and the neighboring areas. At the same time, a wet jelly-like crust appears around the entire perimeter of the wound, it dries and hardens after a couple of days.

note

Exceptions and long-term preservation of a jelly-like crust are only cases when re-infection occurs.

In turn acid leave behind a dry crust, this is due to the fact that the acid acts on the protein as a coagulant, and the alkali as a solvent. The crust is a kind of protection that prevents the penetration of an aggressive substance into the tissues. This is why acid burns are less dangerous than alkaline ones.

It is also possible to burn the skin with a salt of heavy metals, it can be recognized by its characteristic white burned crust, which later turns into brown or brown-black. In any case, the damaged area hurts, the skin sinks on it.

Degrees and symptoms of chemical skin burns

Depending on the depth of the lesion, doctors give off chemical burns:

• Idegree- characterized by the appearance of redness, swelling at the site of contact of substances on the skin. In this case, a person may experience a burning sensation, minor pain, less often - peeling of the surface layer. The edema subsides after a couple of days, and the crust persists for 7-14 days, after which it gives way to regenerated skin. Only pronounced pigmentation can indicate damage in the future.
• IIdegree- it is diagnosed if a substance that has got on the skin completely damages the epidermis, sometimes capturing the deeper layers of the skin - the dermis. At the same time, the swelling increases, while bubbles, as in the case of thermal burns, do not appear. When acid hits the affected area, a thin film is formed, which is a dead skin cell, and a scab is a crust of coagulated blood. The latter disappears within 7 - 10 days, leaving behind a bright pink area of ​​the skin, it does not change its color for a long time. When alkali damage occurs, a larger layer of the skin is torn away, exposing its inner layers down to the subcutaneous fat. The moist crust that appears immediately dries out after a few days, but the situation is aggravated by frequent purulent formations in the affected area. After healing, wounds usually remain.
• IIIandIVdegree- such deep burns appear under the influence of alkalis. At the 3rd degree of chemical burns, the aggressive substance simply touches all layers of the skin, and at the fourth, it also goes to internal organs and fabrics. The process of crust falling off stretches for weeks, or even months, leaving behind purulent, slowly healing wounds. After recovery, the affected areas remain,.

First aid for chemical burns of the skin

First of all, further human contact with aggressive substances should be prevented. To do this, they remove clothes from him that could get acid or alkali, take him away from objects that have fallen into the field of action of an aggressive substance. The next step is washing the wound. The affected area is placed under cold (about 12 degrees) running water for 20 - 25 minutes, no less. It also allows you to cool the adjacent areas of the skin, preventing damage.

note

If the origin of the chemical that has got on the skin is precisely known, antidotes can be used - agents that bind aggressive compounds. The only exceptions can be the juice of poisonous plants.

The following can act as antidotes:

• 1 - 2% solution acetic acid or diluted lemon juice if an alkali burn has occurred;
• 2% sodium bicarbonate solution (this is baking soda), in case of acid exposure.

A clean, dry bandage is applied to the washed skin area until the ambulance arrives.... None medications use is not recommended without a doctor's prescription. It is also necessary to wait for further instructions from specialists, if lesions of the deep layers are noticeable (burns of III and IV degrees), it is imperative to turn to doctors if, after a few days, with minor lesions, suppuration appears.

Chemical eye burns

Lesions of the organs of vision are diagnosed in 9 - 12% of cases when it comes to exposure to chemicals. Such patients need immediate medical attention, otherwise their visual acuity may decrease, up to its loss. That is why the treatment of eye burns is most often carried out in a hospital setting.

Symptoms of chemical eye burns

When acids and alkalis get into the eyes, a person has:

• severe pain;
• burning;
• increased lacrimation;
• swelling of the eyelids;
• hyperemia of the conjunctiva.

Patients feel as if they have a foreign object in their eye. They develop photophobia, their eyesight falls, in some cases it is difficult for them to open their eyes.

note

Under the condition of prolonged exposure to aggressive substances, corneal opacity is diagnosed.

First aid for eye burns with chemicals

You can stop irreversible processes by washing your eyes well with running water. Subject to the availability of saline, you should use it. After that, you must immediately contact an ophthalmologist to prevent the risk of loss of vision.

It is prohibited to use antidotes for chemical eye burns!

Chemical burns of internal organs

In 70% of cases, they are diagnosed in babies who drink household chemicals. The remaining 30% are adults with chemical burns of the oropharynx, esophagus and internal organs, who, under conditions of alcoholic intoxication, loss of vision in old age or, if desired, take poisonous solutions.

It is worth noting that, along with acids and alkalis, serious tissue damage can be provoked by: alcohol, the contents of batteries.

Symptoms of chemical burns of internal organs

It is not difficult to identify the fact that chemicals have gotten inside, since in this case:

• puffiness appears on the mucous membranes, the strength of which depends on the concentration and duration of the action of the solution on the tissues;
• in the esophagus, in severe pain;
• the swallowing process becomes impossible due to the resulting edema;
• due to the effect of caustic substances on the vocal cords, the voice becomes hoarse;
• breathing becomes more frequent and difficult due to laryngeal edema;
• develops with blood.

When a large amount of acids and alkalis are ingested, symptoms of general intoxication appear - malaise,.

In the absence of timely assistance, the development of peritonitis, perforation of internal organs is possible.

First aid for chemical burns of internal organs

An adult or child who is suspected of having a chemical burn to internal organs should immediately call an ambulance. Before the arrival of the specialists, the stomachs are washed in conscious people: they give 1 liter of warm boiled water and provoke vomiting. Hot water is not suitable for gastric lavage!

It is possible to use an antidote, but only if the nature of the aggressive substance is precisely known:

• when acid gets inside, the stomach is washed with a 2% solution of baking soda (for its preparation, 2 g of the agent is dissolved in 1 liter of warm boiled water);
• in case of ingestion of alkalis, the victim is given a 1 - 2% solution of acetic acid.

note

Warm milk is also suitable as an antidote (2 tbsp is enough), especially if it was not possible to establish what exactly was drunk by the victim.

Forecast

In the case of chemical burns, the timeliness of the medical care provided is of great importance., especially - washing the affected areas. The general condition of the body, the presence of concomitant injuries and illnesses can aggravate the situation. Depending on the degree of damage, patients will be recommended not only physical rehabilitation, which consists of drug therapy, physiotherapy, attending medical gymnastics (when the area of ​​burns is impressive), but also psychological assistance... In rare cases, surgery is recommended.

Prophylaxis

In most cases, chemical burns can be avoided, it is only important to follow the rules:

Chemical burns leave behind, at best, severe pain and unpleasant experiences, and at worst, severe consequences in the form of non-healing wounds, loss of vision, and serious damage to internal organs. Therefore, if you suspect a chemical burn, you should immediately contact a specialist - a surgeon (if the skin is damaged), an ophthalmologist (if the eyes are damaged), a gastroenterologist, a toxicologist (if the internal organs are damaged).

Chumachenko Olga, doctor, medical observer

Chemical burns can cause irreparable harm to human health.

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

It is important to understand the essential difference between chemical and thermal burns. In case of burns with chemical reagents, it is necessary to clearly know the antidote substances 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 cope with the treatment of chemical burns at home? Everything in order - in this collection of material.

Chemical burn of the skin: features, symptoms, diagnosis

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

This type of burn often becomes more dangerous than a thermal burn. This is due to the type of aggressive chemical and the duration of the action of the reagent. The process of cell destruction and chemical absorption can continue even after elimination chemical component, which often complicates the timely determination of the degree of damage.

Chemical burns occur due to non-observance of safety rules when working with chemical reagents or in case of accidents in everyday life (deliberately or through negligence).

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

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

Burns caused by chemical acids are in most cases superficial. By the color of the affected skin, you can determine the name of the acting acid.

• In contact with sulfuric acid, the skin turns white at first, then turns gray. With prolonged contact, the burn takes on a darker, brown tint.
• Effects on the 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 by acetic acid, becomes dark brown.
• Carboxylic acid causes whitening of the damaged skin area, which eventually changes to a brown color.

It is possible to diagnose the degree of damage as accurately as possible only after a few days (when the scab site begins to suppurate). The longer the effect of chemical components on the tissues of the body and the larger the area of ​​the lesion, 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, according to the nature of the existing damage, 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 established and treatment will be prescribed.

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

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.

Degree of chemical burns

There are 4 main degrees of chemical burns.

• Idegree

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

• IIdegree

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

• IIIdegree

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

• IVdegree

The most dangerous degree, in which not only skin and muscle tissues, but also tendons and bones are deeply affected. Surgical care is provided in a hospital inpatient setting.

Rules for the treatment of chemical burns

There are a number of rules, the application 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 and fuss. You need to act calmly and judiciously. How well and correctly the first aid is provided to the victim will depend on the success of further treatment.
• It is especially important to know the rules for providing first aid to people working with chemicals. Indeed, in such situations, the risks of getting a chemical injury are much greater.

• Knowledge of the main antidotes listed below will help to quickly neutralize the active substance.
• After receiving first aid, the patient must definitely consult a doctor in order to exclude possible negative consequences after a burn.
• The main rule of first aid is not to harm the victim.
• The key rules for the treatment of chemical burns, in addition to providing qualified first aid to the victim, are reduced to drying the wound, treating it with antiseptics (so that there is no suppuration) and the use of drugs that improve blood circulation and tissue regeneration processes.

First aid for chemical burns

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 immediately removed or cut.
• If there are residues of powder chemicals on the skin, they are first shaken off the skin and only then the residues 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. You need to wash the wound for 10 to 30 minutes.

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

• If the burn is caused by acid, the affected area of ​​the skin washed with 1-2% soda solution, and then apply a tampon dipped in ammonia solution(alcohol is diluted with water). You cannot "extinguish" the burn with an alkali solution - this will lead to a new burn, only caused by the alkali. Diluted acid is more dangerous than concentrated acid. This is due to the fact that highly concentrated acid instantly causes proteins to coagulate, forming a dense scab, preventing the burn from deepening. Especially dangerous is exposure to the skin of highly toxic hydrofluoric acid, used, for example, for etching glass.
• Alkali burn dangerous by its rapid penetration deep into the tissues. Such a burn do not immediately rinse with water... The hydroxyl group of alkali under the action of water will promote deeper penetration of the chemical into human tissues. The affected area of ​​the skin washed with 1-2% solution of acetic or citric acid(not concentrated).
• Quicklime burn same can not be treated with water, since the interaction forms slaked lime (strong base). In this situation better place grease 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 the administration of the antidote drug.
• Phosphorus burn site completely immersed in water to prevent spontaneous combustion of the reagent. After that, after removing the phosphorus particles 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 sterile dry dressing.

You cannot use cotton wool for the bandage!

• With severe pain, the patient can be given anesthetic medicine.
• Before the ambulance arrives, the victim should drink as much liquid as possible (for example, tea or mineral water).

Treatment of chemical burns

• The main rule for treating chemical burns, including at home, is to apply medicines only after consultation and examination by a doctor. For the sake of safety and a positive effect, you should not self-medicate, risking your health and life.
• For the treatment of chemical burns of 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 the purpose of the above ointments.
• An excellent restorative, disinfecting, healing and drying effect is also provided by such 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 that promote wound healing after thermal and chemical burns. These include compresses based on medicinal herbs: chamomile, oak bark, hop cones. Having prepared decoctions from these herbs, they take a sterile bandage, moisten and apply to the wound for 15 minutes. You can prepare a medicinal ointment based on aloe leaves. To do this, take 2-3 leaves of aloe, wash them, cut off the thorns and grind them into "gruel". Melted fat (pork or interior fat) is added to this mass; after cooling - the ointment is ready for use. Application folk recipes it is still best to discuss it with your doctor.

NSimic burneyes

A chemical burn of the eye is 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 has entered the eye.

• In practice, a chemical burn of the eye with acid is considered less difficult than contact with an alkaline solution. This is due to the fact that acids provoke instant coagulation of proteins and, therefore, not deep penetration of the reagent. The exception is nitric, sulfuric, and hydrofluoric acids. If alkali gets into the eye, the reagent destroys cells and can lead to tissue necrosis.
• First aid for chemical burns of the eye is reduced to abundant rinsing of the eye and calling an ambulance. At home, provide qualified assistance with such lesions it is impossible.

NSimic burn of the mouth or esophagus

• This type of burns is one of the most difficult to treat and recover.
• In such situations, it is impossible to provide first aid by neutralizing a 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 arrival of an ambulance (if this is allowed by the type of chemical agent).
• The main task of providing first aid for burns digestive system- urgently call an ambulance.

NSface burn

• Facial skin is thin and sensitive, and with severe chemical burns, a 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 "marks" on the face disfigure the external appearance of a person, give rise to psychological problems... From a medical point of view, rough scars disrupt the motor and excretory function of the skin.

• In our time, such cosmetic procedure like peeling with fruit acids. If the dosage and concentration of the acid solution is incorrect, a shallow chemical burn of the 1st degree 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, which means they need qualified medical treatment. But, having information about the features different kind burns and their treatment, you can provide first aid to the victim in time. Correct and timely actions before the arrival of an ambulance can significantly alleviate the patient's condition and contribute to his speedy recovery.

Chemical burn, photo

Video: "First aid for chemical burns"

The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. A specialist consultation is required!

Chemical burns: causes, signs and symptoms, first aid measures and complex therapy
Almost all chemicals are endowed with the necessary strength that can have a destructive effect on the tissues of the human body. Alkalis and concentrated acids are especially strong in this regard. As soon as they begin to affect the human body, they immediately appear chemical burns. First aid with such burns, it provides, first of all, thorough rinsing of the affected area with running water, since only in this way it is possible to get rid of the aggressive component. After that, it is recommended to apply a sterile bandage to the affected area. If a chemical component gets into the eyes or a person swallows it, then first of all, you should rinse the eye or stomach, and then consult an ambulance doctor.

Chemical burn is tissue damage resulting from exposure to heavy metal salts, acids, corrosive liquids, alkalis or any other chemically active components. Arise of this kind burns due to safety violations, due to domestic accidents, as a result of derivative injuries or suicide attempts. There are other factors that contribute to their development. The severity and depth of such burns directly depends on the following factors:

• concentration and amount of a chemical
• mechanism of action and strength of a chemical
• the degree of penetration and duration of exposure to a chemical

In terms of depth, as well as the severity of tissue damage, four degrees of chemical burns are distinguished

First degree (damage to the upper layer of the skin, epidermis). In this case, there is a slight swelling, redness, as well as mild pain at the site of the lesion.

Second degree (damage to the deeper layers of the skin). In this case, redness and swelling occur, as well as bubbles filled with a clear liquid.

Third degree (damage to the deeper layers of the skin, reaching the subcutaneous adipose tissue) is accompanied by the appearance of blisters, which are filled with a cloudy liquid or bloody contents. In this case, a violation of sensitivity is noted, that is, the person does not experience pain in the area of ​​the affected area.

Fourth degree (damage to all tissues: skin, muscles, tendons).

In most cases, chemical burns are third and fourth degree.

If a burn occurs under the influence of alkalis and acids, then a so-called scab or crust appears at the site of the lesion. The crust that appears after exposure to alkalis is loose, whitish, soft and does not stand out from the whole tissue by any boundaries. If we compare alkaline liquids with acidic liquids, then immediately it is worth noting that the former tend to penetrate much deeper into the tissues, therefore, they cause more significant harm.

In case of acid burns the crust is hard and dry. In addition, it has clearly defined boundaries that distinguish it from healthy areas of the skin. Plus, acid burns are often superficial.
The color of the affected area the skin in case of a chemical burn is determined by the type of chemical. If the skin has been exposed to sulfuric acid, then initially it becomes white, and only then it turns brown or gray. If the skin has been burned with nitric acid, then the affected area becomes yellow-brown or light yellow-green. Hydrochloric acid tends to leave yellowish burns, but acetic acid is off-white. With carbolic acid burns, the affected area first becomes white, and only then brown. In the event of a burn with concentrated hydrogen peroxide, the affected area becomes gray.

It should be noted that the skin tissue continues to deteriorate even after the chemical component ceases to come into contact with it, and this is because the process of absorption of the chemical in this case does not stop immediately. As a result, it is simply impossible to establish the exact degree of the burn during the first hours or days after the incident. It will be possible to make an accurate diagnosis only after seven to ten days, namely when the process of suppuration of the formed crust begins. The danger and severity of this kind of burns is determined by both its area and depth. The larger the area of ​​the lesion, the more dangerous the burn is for the patient's life.

First aid for chemical burns of the skin

First aid in such cases provides for: the fastest possible removal of the chemical component from the affected area, reducing the concentration of its residues on the skin by thorough rinsing with water, as well as cooling the affected area in order to reduce pain.

In case of a chemical burn of the skin, the following measures should be taken:

• You should immediately remove clothing or jewelry that contains chemical components.
• To get rid of the causes of the burn, it is necessary to wash off the chemicals from the skin, while holding the affected area under cold running water for at least a quarter of an hour. If it was not possible to rinse the affected area in a timely manner, then the rinsing time is increased to thirty to forty minutes. You should not try to get rid of chemicals with tampons or wipes moistened with water, as this will result in even stronger penetration into the skin. If the chemical component is endowed with a powdery form, then first you need to remove its remnants from the skin and only then proceed to rinsing the affected area. Exceptions to the rules are cases when there is a categorical contraindication of the interaction of a chemical component with water. This applies, for example, to aluminum, since organic compounds of this substance tend to ignite on contact with water.
• If, after the first wash, a person begins to experience even more strong feeling burning, then it is recommended to once again rinse the affected area with running water for five to six minutes.
• As soon as the affected area is washed, you should proceed to neutralize the chemical components. In case of acid burns, you should use soapy water or 2% baking soda solution. Such a solution is not difficult to prepare: you should take two and a half glasses of water and dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in it. In case of burns with alkali, help will come a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid. The chemical components of lime can be neutralized with a 2% sugar solution. Carbolic acid lends itself to neutralization with milk of lime and glycerin.
• You can reduce pain by using a cold, damp cloth or towel, which should be applied to the affected area.
• After that, we apply a loose bandage made from a clean dry tissue or a dry sterile bandage to the affected surface.

If the burn is not severe, then it heals without any medication.

With a chemical burn, urgent medical attention is needed in the following cases:

• If a person has such signs of shock as pale skin, loss of consciousness, and shallow breathing.
• If the diameter of the burn is more than seven and a half centimeters, and it also penetrated deeper than the first layer of the skin.
• The chemical damage affected the groin, legs, eyes, buttocks, face, arms or large joints, as well as the esophagus and mouth.
• A person experiences very strong pain sensations, which cannot be eliminated with painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

If you nevertheless decide to get expert advice, then do not forget to take utensils with the chemical that caused the burn with you, or detailed description... This will make it possible to neutralize it much faster, which sometimes cannot be done in ordinary home conditions.

Chemical eye burns

Chemical eye burns are the result of lime, acids, ammonia, alkalis or other chemical components getting into this area at work or at home. In fact, burns in this area are extremely dangerous, which is why they require timely access to a specialist doctor. The severity of chemical eye burns is determined by the concentration, temperature, chemical composition, as well as the amount of the substance that provoked the burn. In addition, the general reactivity of the patient's body, the condition of his eyes, as well as the quality and timeliness of first aid are also taken into account. In most cases, with such burns, the patient has the following subjective sensations: lacrimation, fear of light, cutting pain in the eye area. In very severe cases, the patient may lose sight altogether. We note right away that with such burns, not only the eyes are affected, but also the skin around them. It is very important to provide a person with first aid in a timely manner. First of all, he needs to rinse his eyes as quickly as possible with plenty of running water. We spread the eyelids and rinse the eye for ten to fifteen minutes. In this case, water is the main neutralizer of chemical components. If the burn is caused by alkali, then milk can be used instead of water. As soon as the eye is thoroughly washed, take a piece of gauze or bandage and apply a dry bandage. As soon as this is done, immediately take the patient to the doctor.

Chemical burns of the stomach and esophagus

Chemical burns of both the stomach and esophagus are the result of deliberate or accidental ingestion of alkalis such as ammonia or concentrated acids such as: battery electrolyte or vinegar essence. The obvious signs of such burns include very strong pain in the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach. If the larynx has also been affected, then the patient begins to have a lack of air. In addition, vomiting, containing bloody mucus and pieces of burnt mucous membrane, makes itself felt. Since this kind of burns spreads very quickly, the patient needs immediate first aid, which includes, first of all, gastric lavage. It can be washed with a solution of baking soda for a burn with acids, or with a weak solution of acetic acid for a burn with alkalis. In this case, a person needs to be given to drink not just a large, but a really huge amount of liquid, which will make it possible to completely get rid of the chemical component. With such burns, you should call an ambulance as soon as possible or take the patient to the hospital yourself.

Chemical burns appear under the destructive effect of chemicals that cause deep damage to the skin layers.

First aid for chemical is aimed at stabilizing the pH level of the dermis, which is achieved by thoroughly washing off the particles of chemicals from the affected part of the body with running water. The tactics of subsequent actions depend on the type of reagent, its amount, duration of exposure, and also on the stage of damage.

Most often, corrosive reagents suffer skin and eyes. The respiratory system and gastric tract are much less likely to be affected. A burn from chemical reagents can be obtained both at home and at work. Although the risk of such injury on an industrial scale is much greater.

Classification of dangerous injuries

To understand how to provide first aid for a burn, you need to identify which reagent caused the damage.

They can be triggered by the following chemicals:

• Acids;
• Evaporating vapors of heavy metals;
• Alkalis;
• Other reagents with active action.

Symptoms are manifested by external changes on the skin. Damage will vary depending on the type of chemical.

Emergency assistance in case of ingress of aggressive reagents of chemical origin also depends on the degree of their concentration.

Doctors classify 4 stages of damage by chemical reagents:

1. 1 degree. Character traits manifest themselves in swelling and redness of damaged skin. Dry crusts appear under the influence of an acidic reagent. With an alkali burn, the scab is weeping, and the crust itself appears after a few hours. Sensitivity is preserved, and complete tissue regeneration occurs 6-7 days after the burn.
2. 2nd degree. Damage reaches deep layers of the skin, resulting in superficial necrosis (necrosis). If the burn is thermochemical, then blisters appear on the damaged areas. Pathological changes in the skin to this degree are most often irreversible.
3. 3 degree. Dying off of all layers of the damaged skin area. The tissues are deformed and wrinkled. Severe edema forms around the lesion. Blisters that appear are filled with cloudy or bloody fluid. Sensitivity is impaired: the victim does not feel pain.
4. 4 degree. All tissues are involved in a burn injury: skin layers, muscle fibers, tendons, bones. They all die off.

Note!

The violation of the integrity of the skin lining continues even after its interaction with the chemical reagent has been eliminated. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the stage of damage immediately after the burn.

During the period of first aid for chemical burns, it is necessary to assess the level of the scale of the damaged skin, as well as the depth of the burned tissue. The more dermis has come under the influence of hazardous reagents, the more dangerous it is for the victim.

Specificity of urgent measures

Providing first aid for chemical burns requires adherence to a certain sequence. The success of further therapy depends on the correctness and coordination of the actions of the rescuer.

Emergency care includes the following actions:

• Remove from the victim's body all items of clothing that have come into contact with chemical reagents;
• Cleanse the burnt dermis with clean water for 15-20 minutes (if the chemical has been on the skin for a long time, the cleansing time is increased).

Note!

Use as a cleaning agent wet wipes or a cloth for removing reagents is not allowed!

If the burn is provoked by slaked lime, the remnants of the substance are washed off with sunflower oil or liquid petroleum jelly. If a person is burned with phenol or creosol, the wound is treated with vodka.

The next stage, which includes first aid for chemical burns, is to ensure the safety of the wound from reagents that have already entered. If an acid burn is recorded, the injured area is cleaned with water with soda dissolved in it or with ordinary soap. After the resulting alkaline burn, you need to apply citric acid... In its absence, it is possible to use a vinegar solution. If the patient is experiencing severe pain, first aid provides for the victim.

After neutralizing the wound, the injured area is covered with clean gauze. These actions are necessary in order to maximally protect the victim from possible infections.

Note!

The use of cotton wool as a protective bandage is prohibited!

Further actions are carried out in a medical institution by professionals, since burns of this type necessarily require examination and medical advice.

Qualified first aid for chemical burns is necessary in the following cases:

• Sufferer in deep;
• The person has impaired breathing;
• The natural color of the skin is disturbed;
• Chemicals got into the eyes, on the mucous membranes of the mouth, in the alimentary tract, in the groin area;
• Severe pain is not relieved by analgesics;
• Significant area of ​​burn injury;
• The depth of the wound reaches 6 cm.

Note!

If you know which chemical caused the burn, be sure to report it. medical professionals... If there are residues of chemicals, they must be provided to doctors for examination.

Damage to the eyes and esophagus

Despite the fact that the skin is burned more often, it is impossible to exclude damage to the eyes and esophagus with chemical reagents.

Chemical damage to the eyes is a dangerous injury that can lead to complete blindness. Moreover, with burns, it is always damaged and soft skin around them. Therefore, after providing the victim with the necessary assistance, he must be immediately transported to a medical institution.

How dangerous eye burns with chemicals are, are determined by such factors:

• Compound;
• Concentration of hazardous substance;
• Eye health before the burn;
• The speed of rendering pmp.

Symptoms of eye burns are specific. The patient experiences cutting pain, cannot look at the light, and profuse lacrimation begins.

First aid for burns with acids and alkalis in this case is to immediately cleanse the eyes under running water. Remember that the safety of the victim's vision will depend on how quickly you eliminate direct contact with chemicals.

After the eyes are thoroughly rinsed, a clean bandage is applied. Remember that cotton wool cannot be used in this case.

If burned with lye, eyes can be washed out with milk. You don't need to waste precious time looking for drops of neutralizing action. It is better to send the patient to the hospital as soon as possible, where he can receive qualified medical care.

A burn of the gastrointestinal tract occurs after accidental or deliberate ingestion of alkalis or acids. Symptomatic manifestations of damage are pronounced:

• Severe pain in the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach;
• With a burn of the larynx, a person does not have enough air: he begins to choke;
• Vomiting begins, filled with mucus, blood and pieces of burnt mucous membrane.

This requires immediate hospitalization. However, before the doctors arrive, the patient's stomach needs to be emptied. If it is burnt with acids, a soda solution is used. In case of alkali poisoning, a weak solution is prepared using acetic acid.

Note!

The victim must drink a lot of fluids. This is the only way to weaken the effect of chemicals on the body and promote their rapid elimination.

Treatment

After the chemical reagent is eliminated from the body, they begin to restore the damaged areas of the dermis. Systemic therapy medications are used to eliminate pain, restore damaged skin layers.

For minor injuries of the 1st degree, under the supervision of a doctor, you can use the funds traditional medicine... These include the use of raw potatoes, cucumber juice, strongly brewed black tea, and potato starch. All of these products have properties to cool and heal burned skin.

Here are examples of two of the most popular and effective recipes.

• Starch mask

The starch must be thoroughly diluted in warm water to make a gruel that resembles sour cream. The finished mask is placed on the affected area of ​​the skin in a thick layer and kept for 20 minutes. Then washed off with water.

• "Black compress"

Brew a few spoons of black tea in any convenient way;
Allow it to cool down to room temperature;
Once ready, moisten clean gauze and apply it to burnt skin.
As soon as the homemade compress heats up under the influence of the body, it must be changed.