Depilex Smileagain Foundation (dsf) has been helping acid burn victims and patients for almost a decade, during these years most of the patients who were brought to us or came to us were treated from different places. The lack of proper treatment centers often results in more damage to their acid affected areas. There are some of the steps that one can quickly implement to reduce the damage to the affected area. These steps can help you in case there are no hospitals or burn centers nearby.
Step 1
Remove any clothing or jewelry that may have come into contact with the acid. Immediately brush any chemical powders off the skin. Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin. Cut around it, if possible.
Step 2
Rinse the affected area for at least 30 minutes. The Merck Manual states that chemical burns may continue to cause damage for long periods after initial exposure. The water should be cool to lukewarm. Avoid rinsing the burn with cold or hot water.
Step 3
Avoid applying any oils, butter, or creams on burned area. The American Academy of Family Physician warns that this may result in a chemical reaction that can increase injury and tissue damage. Do not put ice on the burn.
Step 4
Assess the depth and severity of the burn. If the acid penetrated through the top layer of skin, or if the burn is larger than 3 inches in diameter, emergency medical attention is required. Medical help is also necessary for chemical burns affecting the hands, feet, eyes, face and groin. Burns covering a large joint may also need medical attention.
Step 5
Apply a cool towel or compress to minor burns and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help control pain. If pain increases, rinse the affected area again for 15 more minutes.
Step 6
Cover the burn with a dry, sterile bandage or cloth to prevent infection. Avoid wrapping the burn too tightly, and use care when removing the bandage to prevent loss of skin. Apply antibacterial or other ointments on minor burns as directed by your doctor.
Step 7
Watch for signs of shock, such as a pale complexion, fainting or shallow breathing. Call 911 if the burn victim displays any of these symptoms, loses consciousness or has burns covering large areas of his body. Hospitalization is necessary for severe burns.
Tips and Warnings

  • Whenever possible, have a sample of the acid available for identification and faster treatment. The National Institutes of Health recommends that victims of even minor burns get a tetanus shot.

Things You’ll Need

  • Clean towels
  • Over-the-counter pain reliever
  • Sterile bandages

Merck Manual – Burns
American Academy of Family Physicians – Taking Care of Burns
University of Illinois at Chicago – Hydrofluoric Acid Burns
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