Chemical burns – first aid and treatment
If you think someone has a chemical burn, call triple zero (000). Ask for an ambulance. If you can, let them know what chemical caused the burn.
For help and advice about poison, call the Poisons information Hotline on 13 11 26.
Key facts
- Chemical burns happen when your skin comes into contact with chemicals like household bleach, metal cleaners, pool chlorinators and petrol.
- If the chemical is on your skin, wash it off straight away with a cool running water for at least 20 minutes — this helps to reduce damage to your tissues.
- Remove clothes, shoes and socks. DO NOT try and remove anything that is stuck to the skin.
- The person giving the first aid should be careful not to get any of the chemical on their own skin.
What are chemical burns?
Many chemicals that are commonly used at home, school or work can cause serious burns to the body.
Chemical burns can look very small. However, they can be very deep. The damage from a chemical burn depends on:
- the type of chemical
- how strong the chemical is
- how long the chemical stays on your skin
Sometimes, fumes from chemicals or smoke from fires can be inhaled (breathed in) and cause burning in your nose, mouth and throat.
What are the symptoms related to chemical burns?
A chemical burn is like a burn caused by heat. Signs and effects of a chemical burn are:
- redness and burning at the site
- pain or numbness
- blisters
- blackened skin
A chemical burn to your eye can burn, sting and be very painful. It can also cause vision problems.
A chemical burn to your lungs can cause coughing or shortness of breath (trouble breathing).
If the burn is very severe, it can cause:
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes chemical burns?
Most chemical burns are caused by either strong acids or strong bases. These are found in products such as:
- bleach
- concrete mix
- drain or toilet bowl cleaners
- metal cleaners
- petrol
- phosphorous (found in fireworks and fertilizers)
- pool chlorinators
Chemical burns often happen by accident. They can also happen on purpose. This may be from an assault, self-harm or a suicide attempt.
Chemical burns are most likely to be on your face, eyes, limbs, hands or feet. Chemicals can also burn the inside of your body if they are swallowed or inhaled into your lungs.
How are chemical burns diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine you. They will want to know as much as possible about the chemical. This includes how much chemical there was. It also includes how long the chemical was on your skin.
Your doctor also needs to know what first-aid has been given to care for the burn.
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When should I see my doctor?
See a doctor if you have chemical burns.
When to seek urgent care
Call triple zero (000) if someone has collapsed, stopped breathing, or is having a seizure. Ask for an ambulance. If you can, let them know what chemical caused the burn.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How are chemical burns treated?
Chemical burn first aid
If the chemical is on your skin, wash it off straight away with cool running water. Keep the affected area under water for at least 20 minutes. Continue washing even after the chemical seems to have been removed. This helps to reduce tissue damage.
If possible, place the person in a shower. The water will wash the chemical away from the body.
Remove clothes, shoes and socks. DO NOT try and remove anything that is stuck to the skin.
After washing, cover the burn with a sterile dressing that won't stick to the skin.
If you are giving first aid, be careful not to get any of the chemical on your own skin.
If the chemical is in the eye, tilt the head to the side. This is important as it will protect the other eye. Then gently wash cool water over the eye for 20 minutes.
It's important to keep cool running water on the affected area for at least 20 minutes.
Chemical or toxic fumes
If you have inhaled chemical or toxic fumes, you should:
- get fresh air straight away — open doors and windows wide
- loosen tight clothing
- get urgent care if your condition worsens
Do not try to rescue someone from an area where a toxic gas is involved.
Medicines for chemical burns
Your doctor may advise you to:
- keep your wound clean and stop it from drying out
- apply ointments or dressings to the wound
- take medicines for pain relief
Hospital treatment
For a minor chemical burn, you probably won't need to stay in hospital.
More serious burns will need treatment in hospital. The wound will be carefully watched and treated at the hospital. This is important to control your pain and prevent infection.
Complications of chemical burns
Most small chemical burns heal within a couple of weeks. They usually don't leave a scar, even if your skin has blistered.
Burns that blister the skin can sometimes get infected. See your doctor if:
- there is new redness, swelling or soreness
- you feel sick or have a fever
- you see a discharge (pus) or it smells unpleasant
Can chemical burns be prevented?
You can help prevent chemical burns by:
- always reading and following the instructions when using chemical products
- always wearing safety gloves and eye protection when using chemicals
- always washing your hands after using a chemical product
- making sure all containers with chemicals are labelled
- always storing chemicals in a safe place. — which is out of the reach of children
- having first aid supplies on hand to treat chemical burns
Resources and support
For help and advice about chemical burns, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
You can call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak to, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: September 2024
