Acid and chemical burns

Burns caused by acid, alkaline or caustic chemicals can be very damaging and need immediate medical attention.

Call 999 and ask for urgent help.

Immediate first aid

After calling 999, to help prevent severe injuries from a chemical burn:

try to carefully remove the chemical and any contaminated clothing
rinse the affected area using as much clean water as possible

Remove the chemical and affected clothing

Try to remove the chemical and contaminated clothing from contact with the skin and eyes, but be very careful not to touch or spread the chemical as this could lead to further injuries to the victim or the person helping them.

Use gloves or other protective materials to cover hands and, if possible, carefully cut away clothing such as T-shirts, rather than pulling them off over the head.

Do not wipe the skin as this may spread contamination.

If the chemical is dry, brush it off the skin.