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Chemical burns can be caused by anything that results in a reaction to the skin, and can range from mild to severe. Different chemical burns should be treated differently. Identifying what caused the burn, flushing the skin using the right substance, and getting medical attention are all central to effectively treating a chemical burn.



  1. Treat a Chemical Burn Step 1.jpg
    Be sure to be safe from further burns.
    • If you or the victim is in a dangerous location, be sure to get away immediately or avoid entering the location, before treating the burn.
    • Don't let anyone else enter the location if it's not safe.
  2. Treat a Chemical Burn Step 2.jpg
    If there's any chemical substance left on the skin, brush it off.
    • Do this, using gloves to protect you.
    • When you are brushing, make sure to brush away from you and the victim.
    • Use soft movements, going in only one direction.
  3. Treat a Chemical Burn Step 3.jpg
    Flush the skin, as quickly as possible, with cool, running water.
    • You can use a sink, or if outside, a garden hose.
    • Don't rinse your or the victims burn in dirty water, as it can cause infections.
    • Keep flushing the skin with large amount of cool water, until you, or the victim, feels that the burning sensation is fading. (Usually this takes anywhere from 15-45 minutes.)
  4. Treat a Chemical Burn Step 4.jpg
    Remove any jewelry or clothing which has also had contact with the chemical.
    • These should not be used until treated, so that there are no harmful substances left.
  5. Treat a Chemical Burn Step 5.jpg
    Help the victim, or have someone help you, wrap sterilized gauze around the burn.
  6. Treat a Chemical Burn Step 6.jpg
    Evaluate if it's necessary to seek urgent care.
    • Usually, you will know this by the look of the skin, it might create blisters or the skin might peel off - in this case seek urgent care.

Add your own method



  • If the burn was caused by Hydrofluoric Acid, not to be confused with hydrochloric acid, it is extremely serious. Click on the link for information.
  • If the burn was caused by Sulfuric Acid, and the burn isn't severe, you should just flush with a mild soap and water solution.
  • If the burn was caused by hydrochloric acid you should rinse with a baking soda solution (bicarbonate of soda), this is done by mixing a large amount of baking soda with a small amount of water, and rinsing the burn with it. Afterward, rinse with water and proceed with the rest of the above steps.
  • If the burn was caused by Carbolic Acid or Phenol, you should not immediately rinse with water, as the chemical doesn't mix well with water. Flush with rubbing alcohol first, then, when all the substance has been removed, proceed flushing with water, and the rest of the above steps.
  • Always rinse down so that the water doesn't contact more skin. For example, if the burn is in the middle of the forearm, rinse so the water goes down to your fingers, not up to your elbow. This prevents the chemical from staying on the skin.


  • While caring for the victim, be sure that no one else get hurt (including you).
  • If the burn covers a large area of skin, or affects a special area of the body like your face, eyes or hands it is important to consult a doctor.
  • Keep your tetanus status up to date.

Things You'll Need

  • Cool, running water
  • Gloves
  • Sterilized Gauze
  • Scissor (to cut off jewelry and clothing near the burn)
  • Phone (to call the alarm central, if necessary)

Article Info

Categories: Stings Bites and Burns

Recent edits by: Rock20000, Serendipitee, Aideen23

In other languages:

Español: Cómo tratar quemaduras químicas, Português: Como Tratar uma Queimadura Química, Italiano: Come Trattare le Ustioni Chimiche, Русский: обработать химический ожог


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