For chemical burns, what is the initial treatment?

• A. Flush with copious amounts of water
• B. Brush off dry chemicals
• C. Apply ointment
• D. Cover with dry dressing

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to remove the contaminant from the skin as soon as possible. When the chemical is a dry powder, brushing it off first is the best initial step because it reduces the amount of chemical that can react with water or continue to burn once irrigation begins. After you’ve brushed off as much as possible, rinse the area with copious water to dilute and wash away any remaining chemical. Avoid applying ointment or leaving a dry dressing on the area, since these can trap the chemical or hinder proper decontamination. If the contaminant were a liquid, irrigation would be the priority, but for dry chemicals, brushing off first minimizes ongoing injury.