Health Tip: Caring for a Chemical Burn

(HealthDay News) -- A chemical burn should be treated immediately and with care, since traditional skin remedies -- such as an antibiotic lotion -- can react with the chemical and actually worsen the burn.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to care for a chemical burn:

  • Carefully flush the area with lots of cool water.

  • Promptly remove any jewelry or clothing that may have come in contact with the chemical.

  • Carefully wrap the area with a clean cloth or a piece of sterile, dry gauze.

  • Call your doctor, 911 or the local poison control center as soon as possible.

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