Chemical Burn of the Skin (Child)
Burns damage the skin and tissues under the skin. Some burns are caused by chemicals. Chemical burns can affect just the skin. They can also affect the entire body.
Symptoms of a chemical burn include pain, rash, redness, swelling, and blisters. Even small burns can damage the tissue underneath. Severe chemical burns may cause shock. Symptoms of shock include:
Common household cleaning products contain dangerous chemicals. These include ammonia, bleach, and lye. Drain cleaners, laundry detergent packets, and rust removers are very toxic. Some dangerous chemicals can be found in products for the hair, skin, and nails.
Chemical burns are first treated by rinsing (flushing) the affected skin with clean water or saline. The burn is flushed for at least 20 minutes, or until the pain eases. This cuts down on the amount of the chemical in contact with the skin. If the chemical is a powder, the powder is brushed away. Contaminated clothing is carefully taken off. The doctor will put an antibiotic cream or ointment on the burn. They may cover the burn with a sterile dressing. Medicine and cool, wet compresses can ease pain. Minor burns will heal without other treatment. Severe burns take longer to heal. They may also scar.
Home care
The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream or ointment. This is to prevent infection. They may advise a pain medicine. Follow the doctor's instructions for giving these medicines to your child.
If you need to change the bandage:
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Follow the doctor's instructions on when and how to change the bandage.
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Follow any instructions on how to care for the wound.
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Remove a bandage that sticks to the skin by first soaking it in warm water.
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Gently remove any adhesive by using mineral oil or petroleum jelly on a cotton ball. Children have sensitive skin that can be irritated by adhesive.
General care
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Wash your hands well with soap and clean, running water before and after you care for the wound.
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Put cool, wet compresses on the area to ease pain as advised by your doctor. Don’t use any burn ointments or salve that isn't prescribed.
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Check the wound often for signs of infection. These can include fever or redness, swelling, or pain that gets worse. See "When to get medical care" below.
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You may give over-the-counter medicine as directed to control your child's pain, unless another medicine was prescribed. Before giving these medicines, tell the doctor if your child has liver or kidney disease. Tell them if your child has had a stomach ulcer or digestive bleeding. Don't give aspirin to children or teens unless your child’s doctor says it is safe. Aspirin can put your child at risk for Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
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You may give your child diphenhydramine for itching. Tell your child not to scratch or pick at the wound. Trim their fingernails short.
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Dress your child in loose-fitting clothing.
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Protect the wound from the sun.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s doctor as advised.
Special note to parents
Store all chemicals in a locked cabinet, out of reach of children. For information, call the National Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
When to get medical care
Contact your child's doctor right away if:
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Your child has a fever at or above 100.4°F (38°C) oral or 101.4°F (38.5°C) rectal, or as advised by your child's doctor.
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Redness or swelling of the burn gets worse.
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Fluid from the burn smells bad.
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Your child's wound doesn’t heal.
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Your child has an upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting.