Strong cleaning agents are often used to clean the house and remove problematic stains. Such products require careful handling, they should be used with gloves on in ventilated areas. These products can cause chemical burns if they come in contact with the skin.

BURNS FROM CLEANING AGENTS. TREATMENT OF HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL BURNS

What are chemical burns?

Chemical burns are injuries to the skin, eyes, mouth or internal organs caused by contact with a chemical substance.

Chemical burns with household cleaning products are easy to get during cleaning, if you are careless when using them. Sometimes burns with cleaning products are also a consequence of an attack or domestic violence, in which case the affected area is especially large, and burns have serious consequences.

Children also often become victims of burns with detergents due to the carelessness of adults. All household cleaning products should be kept out of the child's access area.

Causes of chemical burns with cleaning agents and risk factors

Strong detergents that cause burns are either strong acids or alkalis. The packaging and labels of these products always list recommendations for their safe use. Common-sense precautions and consumer awareness can reduce the risk of injury.

Signs and symptoms of chemical burns include:

• Redness, irritation or burning at the point of contact;
• Pain or numbness at the point of contact;
• Formation of blisters or dead skin at the point of contact;
• Deterioration of vision in case of contact with the eyes;
• Cough or shortness of breath.

Tissue damage caused by chemical burns depends on several factors, including:

• Strength or concentration of the chemical;
• Place of contact (eyes, skin, mucous membranes);
• Did it get into the esophagus or respiratory tract;
• Is there any mechanical damage to the skin;
• Volume of spilled cleaning agent;
• Duration of exposure.

First aid for household chemical burns

Most chemical burns with household cleaning products are localized on the face, eyes, hands and feet. Usually, a chemical burn with household chemicals is relatively small and requires only outpatient treatment. However, some household chemical burns can have serious and long-term health consequences, as especially aggressive substances can cause deep tissue damage. If you have a chemical burn of the eyes, mouth or throat, seek medical help immediately.

In case of contact with strong cleaning agent on the skin:

Remove all contaminated clothing.

Rinse the damaged area to dilute or remove the substance using plenty of water. Rinse the skin for at least 20 minutes, making sure that water does not fall on unaffected areas of the skin.

It is especially necessary to rinse the eyes thoroughly if detergent or other irritant has got into them.

Healing of skin burns after contact with household chemicals

EPLAN FOR SKIN HEALING AFTER CHEMICAL BURNS

EPLUN (in the form of ointment, solution, disposable wipes) is used for the treatment of wounds and skin injuries, including after chemical burns with cleaning agents, accelerates the healing of skin damage, reduces the risk of complications, prevents the development of pustular skin lesions, destroys germs and bacteria, prevents infection of wounds.

EPLUN is an antiseptic dermatotropic drug in the form of ointment, solution, disposable wipes, for external use with bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and regenerating action.

Use EPLUN for burn treatment for regular treatment. It should be carried out daily or every other day, depending on the condition of the wound.

Conclusions

Most chemical burns are minor and treatable without causing long-term problems. However, some burns cause significant scars, deterioration or loss of vision, or other medical complications.

Follow safety precautions when working with household cleaning products and aggressive substances.