How do you treat a chlorine burn?

Answer 1

I'm assuming we're talking about liquid chlorine, such as chlorine bleach or swimming pool additives, and not liquid chlorine gas (which is very dangerous, quite different in management, etc.). First, rinse the contaminated area with fresh, non-chlorinated water for 10-30 minutes, as it's critical to remove the chlorine. DON'T GET ANY ON YOURSELF! Take time to glove up and wear eye shields. After this time, examine the burn. If it looks like a sunburn, it's a 1st-degree burn. If a critical or delicate area is burned (eyes, inside the nose or mouth, mucous membranes, etc.), head for the ER. If, however, the 1st-degree burn is not in a critical area, treat pretty much as you would sunburn: cold compresses and mild painkillers. Keep an eye on the area -- if it flares up (as alkali burns can do), start again and re-evaluate. If the burn has removed the first layer of skin -- either creating blisters or exposing moist and very red skin that's obviously not the outer (epidermal) layer -- you have a 2nd-degree burn. You need to transport to an ER if any or all of the following occur: * The patient seems shocked: pale and clammy; rapid, shallow breathing; confused or unable to focus on conversations; or is in an anxious state. If so, maintain body temperature and transport the patient. * If the burn is more than 3" in diameter or covers more than about 5 sq. inches. * If the burn is on eyes, groin, mucous membranes, or a major joint. * The pain is too much to be controlled with over-the-counter meds. Otherwise, if there's a blister, leave it alone until it pops on its own. When it pops, trim away the dead skin, wash very gently with warm soapy water, rinse, and apply Betadyne. Bandage loosely and check the wound every 12 hours or so. If the second layer of skin is broken and deep tissues are visible, head to the ER. Upkeep of this wound will require pain control and a sterile environment. Don't get the wound wet (except for washing and antiseptics). Make sure the wound is protected -- first, by proper bandaging; and second, by immobilization. NOTE: This is NOT the first-aid procedure for chlorine gas spills, which are considerably more dangerous.