What is the basic first aid approach to chemical exposure on the skin?

What is the basic first aid approach to chemical exposure on the skin?

• A. Wipe with a dry cloth and apply ointment
• B. Neutralize the chemical with a household acid
• C. Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with clean water for at least 20 minutes; avoid neutralizing chemicals
• D. Ignore the exposure if there is no pain

Answer: (C)

Immediate removal of contaminated clothing and thorough irrigation with clean running water for at least 20 minutes is the proper first aid response to chemical skin exposure. Removing contaminated clothes stops ongoing contact and exposes more skin to wash water, which helps dilute and remove the chemical from the surface and reduce tissue damage. Rinsing with water dilutes the chemical and washes it away, lowering the chance that it will be absorbed into deeper tissues. Do not try to neutralize the chemical with household acids or bases, because many chemicals react violently or generate heat, which can cause additional burns and injury. Wiping the skin dry or applying ointment can trap remaining chemical against the skin and spread it further, and ignoring exposure even if there’s little or no pain risks progressive or delayed injury. If the exposure is significant or chemical type is unknown, seek medical care promptly.

Immediate removal of contaminated clothing and thorough irrigation with clean running water for at least 20 minutes is the proper first aid response to chemical skin exposure. Removing contaminated clothes stops ongoing contact and exposes more skin to wash water, which helps dilute and remove the chemical from the surface and reduce tissue damage. Rinsing with water dilutes the chemical and washes it away, lowering the chance that it will be absorbed into deeper tissues. Do not try to neutralize the chemical with household acids or bases, because many chemicals react violently or generate heat, which can cause additional burns and injury. Wiping the skin dry or applying ointment can trap remaining chemical against the skin and spread it further, and ignoring exposure even if there’s little or no pain risks progressive or delayed injury. If the exposure is significant or chemical type is unknown, seek medical care promptly.