The Dangers of Acid on Skin
Getting acid on your skin can cause serious burns and damage. Acids are corrosive substances that can eat away at the tissues of the skin, causing immense pain and possibly even scarring. That's why it's incredibly important to wash skin that has come into contact with acid immediately and properly.
What Kind of Damage Can Acid Cause?
The level of damage caused by acid depends on a few key factors:
- The strength or concentration of the acid
- The amount of time the acid is in contact with the skin
- Which area of the body the acid touches
Strong acids like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid can quickly eat through multiple layers of skin, damaging fat, muscle, and nerve tissues. The face, hands, and other delicate areas may scar more extensively than tougher areas like the palms or soles of the feet.
The Urgency of Washing Acid Off Skin
Washing acid off the skin quickly can make a huge difference in the level of injury. The faster you rinse it off, the less severe the burns will be. Immediately flushing the skin with water or a neutralizing solution stops the acid from continuing to burn through tissues.
What to Use to Wash Acid Off Skin
It's important not to rub or scrub the affected area, as this may spread the acid and worsen skin damage. Gently pour or spray the cleaning solution over the acid on the skin instead. Rinsing with water alone will help, but some solutions are better at fully neutralizing and removing acid.
Water
If no other options are available, flush the affected skin with plenty of cool running water. This dilutes the acid and stops it from burning deeper into the tissues. Flush the area for at least 15-20 minutes to remove all acid residue. Seek emergency medical attention while flushing.
Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda mixed with water creates a slightly alkaline solution that can neutralize acid. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 1 cup of water. Once mixed, gently pour the solution over the affected area, flushing for 15 minutes. The baking soda will bubble and fizz as it counteracts the acid.
Antacid Liquid
Over-the-counter antacid liquids contain ingredients like calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide - alkaline substances that neutralize stomach acid. These can work to counteract acid on the skin as well. Generously flush skin with liquid antacids for 10-15 minutes.
Diphoterine
Diphoterine, available at lab supply companies and online retailers, is a specialty amphoteric solution made specifically to wash chemical splashes off skin and eyes. It works by chemically neutralizing over 100 different acids, alkalis, and solvents. Flushing skin with diphoterine for at least 15 minutes is the most effective way to stop acid damage and minimize the severity of burns.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
Even after thoroughly flushing the affected area, you should still seek emergency medical treatment if acid has splashed onto your skin, especially if you experience:
- Burns deeper than the top layer of skin
- Brown, white or blackened skin tissues
- Blisters or loss of skin
- Difficulty breathing or other signs of airway burns if acid splashed on face/neck
- Changes in vision if acid got in the eyes
Healthcare providers can assess the level of skin and tissue damage, provide wound care, monitor for infection, and treat scarring. Be sure to identify the type and concentration of acid so the medical team knows how to properly neutralize any residue.
Risks of Infection
Broken skin from acid burns leaves you vulnerable to bacteria entering and causing an infection. Signs of infection include:
- Increasing pain, swelling redness in the wound
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge
- Red streaks spreading from the wound
- Fever
Infections require antibiotic medications, wound cleaning, and often surgical debridement. Leaving an infection untreated can have serious consequences like sepsis, organ failure, or even require amputation of the affected body part.
Scarring Risk
Deeper acid burns often scar as they heal. Scars form when there is extensive damage below the top layer of skin, forcing the body to quickly develop thick, fibrous collagen bands as a temporary patch. Over time this collagen matures into permanent scar tissue.
There are treatments that can improve the appearance of scars, like silicone gels/sheets, steroid injections, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and even surgical revision. Talk to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon about options.
Preventing Acid Burns
Workplaces that use corrosive liquids should adhere to strict protocols and safety measures to avoid acid contacting exposed skin or eyes. When possible, substitute corrosive acids for less hazardous options. Provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure everyone is trained on proper handling procedures as well as emergency response in case of spills or splashes.
Personal Protective Equipment
Workers who handle acids should at minimum wear:
- Splash goggles to shield the eyes
- Face shields if handling large volumes
- Long rubber gloves covered by heavier duty gloves
- Acid-resistant aprons
- Rubber boots
Care should be taken when removing contaminated gear to avoid further contact. Damaged personal protective equipment should be reported and replaced.
Safe Handling Rules
Follow these basic rules when working with acids:
- Never add water to acid - when diluting, slowly add acid to water
- Open caps and stoppers slowly to allow pressure release
- Always pour acids carefully as they are heavier and may splash out unexpectedly
- Transport and handle acids in secondary containers like acid-proof bins
- Clean spills immediately using the correct neutralizing agent
- Dispose of acids properly in accordance with regulations
Keeping acids capped in designated areas and following protocols minimizes the risk of injury.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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