Overview

A chemical burn is tissue damage caused by contact with a corrosive substance. These injuries range from mild irritation to deep destruction of skin, eyes, respiratory tract or internal organs after ingestion. Chemical burns may occur at home, in the workplace, in laboratories, or during transport of hazardous materials. Severity depends on the chemical involved, its concentration, duration of contact and the affected body area.

Causes and types

Common agents include strong acids, strong alkalis, oxidizers and reactive solvents. For example, concentrated sulfuric acid typically causes severe burns, while dilute mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid usually produce less extensive surface injury. Alkalis (for example, solutions containing sodium hydroxide or lime) often penetrate more deeply than acids because they cause liquefaction of tissue. Other causes include bleach, phenols, battery acid, and certain industrial chemicals.

First aid and medical care

Immediate action reduces harm. General first-aid steps widely recommended by emergency responders include removing contaminated clothing and jewelry, flushing the affected area with large amounts of water, and seeking professional medical evaluation. Continuous irrigation for an extended period (commonly advised as about 15–20 minutes for many exposures) helps dilute and remove the chemical; eye exposures require prompt, thorough rinsing and urgent ophthalmologic assessment. Do not apply neutralizing agents or creams unless instructed by a medical professional, as these can worsen injury.

Prevention and safety

  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, aprons, goggles) when handling corrosives.
  • Work in well-ventilated areas and have eyewash stations and emergency showers accessible.
  • Store chemicals in labeled containers and consult safety data sheets (SDS/MSDS) for handling and spill procedures.
  • Train personnel in spill response and first-aid measures to reduce accidental exposures.

Notable distinctions and outcomes

Two important distinctions are acid versus alkali burns and contact location. Acids often produce a protein-coagulating surface crust, which may limit deeper spread; alkalis cause ongoing tissue breakdown that can be deceptively painless yet deep. Burns to the eyes, airway or large skin areas carry higher risk and usually require specialist care. Long-term effects can include scarring, pigmentation changes, impaired function or chronic pain, so follow-up with healthcare providers is often necessary.