Monday, April 6, 2009

Treat A Chemical Burn On The Face

Most chemical burns are caused by acids like those found in batteries. A facial burn is especially dangerous because it can affect the eyesight. To treat a chemical burn on the face, you should start by following the steps below, then seek professional medical assistance.


Instructions








1. Remove any jewelry or clothing that has the chemical on it. As you do this, try not to spread the chemical to other areas or onto other people.


2. Run cool running water over the chemical burn for at least fifteen minutes to flush the chemicals off the skin.


3. Prepare a cool, wet compress from wet paper towels or pieces of cloth. Apply to the chemical burn to relieve some of the pain.


4. Protect the chemical burn from further irritation by applying a dry sterile dressing. If that is not handy, a dry clean cloth will do. If your eyes are injured, close them before you apply the dressing.


5. Seek medical help immediately. Even though a minor chemical burn can heal on its own, you should have a medical professional look at it. He can dress the chemical burn professionally and prescribe pain medication if it is needed. Facial burns may also cause unsightly scars and seeing a medical professional for treatment can minimize them.

Tags: chemical burn, medical professional