Chemical or caustic burns occur when your skin, eyes, or internal organs come into contact with a corrosive chemical substance.

Chemical burns can occur from strong acids or bases, which may be found in common household cleaners, such as lye or ammonia, or industrial chemicals, such as battery acid.

If you or a child accidentally swallows a chemical, do not induce vomiting. Call a local poison control center or go to the emergency room right away.

Call 911 if someone you know has a chemical burn and is experiencing symptoms of shock or is unconscious.

Keep reading to learn more about chemical burns, including symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.

Classifications of chemical burns

Doctors classify burns according to the extent of the injury and the depth of the burn.

  • Superficial burn. An injury to the top layer of skin, or the epidermis, is called a superficial burn. This was formerly called a first-degree burn.
  • Partial thickness injury. Damage to the second layer of skin, or the dermis, is called a partial thickness injury or dermal injury. This was formerly called a second-degree burn.
  • Full thickness injury. Injury to the third layer of skin, or subcutaneous tissue, is referred to as a full thickness injury. This was formerly called a third-degree burn.

Acids and bases are the primary causes of most chemical burns. Burns caused by chemicals can happen at school, work, or any place where you handle chemical materials.

Some of the most common products that cause chemical burns are:

  • car battery acid
  • bleach
  • ammonia
  • denture cleaners
  • teeth whitening products
  • pool chlorination products

People who are at the highest risk for chemical burns are infants, older adults, and people with disabilities. That’s because these groups may not be able to handle chemicals properly.

If you handle acids or other chemicals without assistance and have decreased mobility, you may be at increased risk for chemical burns.

The symptoms of chemical burns can vary depending on how the burn occurred. A burn caused by a chemical you swallowed will cause different symptoms than burns that occur on your skin. The symptoms of a chemical burn will depend on:

  • the length of time your skin was in contact with the chemical
  • whether the chemical was inhaled or swallowed
  • whether your skin had open cuts or wounds or was intact during contact
  • the location of contact
  • the amount and strength of the chemical used
  • whether the chemical was a gas, liquid, or solid

For example, if you swallow an alkaline chemical, it will cause burns on the inside of your stomach. This may produce different symptoms than a chemical burn on your skin.

Symptoms of chemical burns on the skin

In general, the common symptoms associated with chemical burns include:

  • blackened or dead skin, which is mainly seen in chemical burns from acid
  • irritation, redness, or burning in the affected area
  • numbness or pain in the affected area
  • a loss of vision or changes in vision if chemicals have come into contact with your eyes

Symptoms of internal chemical burns (if you swallow a chemical)

Some of the following symptoms may also occur if you’ve swallowed a chemical:

A doctor will diagnose your injury based on several factors. These may include:

  • the level of pain you’re experiencing in the affected area
  • the amount of damage to the area
  • the depth of the burn
  • signs of possible infection
  • the amount of swelling present

You might be transferred to a burn unit if your burn:

  • covers more than 10% of your total body area
  • Is very deep
  • is on your face, groin, or feet

Your doctor will also check for other injuries and may order X-rays, lab work, or other diagnostic tests.

First aid should be given to chemical burns immediately if possible. This includes removing the chemical that caused the burn and rinsing the skin under running water for 10 to 20 minutes.

If a chemical came into contact with your eyes, rinse your eyes continuously for at least 20 minutes before seeking emergency care.

Remove any clothing or jewelry contaminated by the chemical. Wrap the burned area loosely with a dry sterile dressing or a clean cloth if possible.

If the burn is superficial, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You should go to the emergency room immediately if your burn is more serious.

When to seek emergency medical care

  • if your burn is larger than 3 inches in width or length
  • if the burn is on your face, hands, feet, groin, or buttocks
  • if the burn is spread over a major joint, such as your knee
  • if your pain is severe and can’t be controlled with OTC pain medications
  • if you have the signs and symptoms of shock, which include:
    • shallow breathing
    • dizziness
    • low blood pressure

Depending on the severity of your condition, a doctor may use the following methods to treat your burn:

  • antibiotics
  • anti-itch medications
  • debridement, which involves cleaning or removing dirt and dead tissue
  • skin grafting, which involves attaching healthy skin from another part of the body to the burn wound
  • intravenous (IV) fluids

For severe burns

You’ll need burn rehabilitation if you’re severely burned. This type of rehabilitation may provide some of the following treatments:

  • skin replacement
  • pain management
  • cosmetic surgery
  • occupational therapy, which can help you redevelop everyday skills
  • counseling
  • patient education

Recovery from a burn depends on the severity of the burn.

Minor chemical burns tend to heal fairly quickly with the appropriate treatment. More severe burns, however, may require long-term treatment, most likely at a specialized burn center.

Potential complications

Some people who have experienced severe chemical burns may have physical and mental complications that need to be addressed. These include:

  • disfigurement
  • limb loss
  • infection
  • scarring
  • muscle and tissue damage
  • depression
  • flashbacks
  • nightmares

Most people with severe chemical burns will recover if they have the proper treatment and rehabilitation.

You can prevent chemical burns by following safety procedures and taking precautions while handling chemical materials. These include:

  • keeping chemicals out of the reach of children
  • storing chemicals properly and safely after use
  • using chemicals in a well-ventilated area
  • leaving chemicals in their original containers with warning labels
  • avoiding the use of chemicals
  • avoiding mixing chemicals with other chemicals
  • only purchasing chemicals in protective containers
  • keeping chemicals away from food and drinks
  • wearing protective gear and clothing when using chemicals

Call a poison control center if you’re unsure whether a certain substance is toxic.