How to neutralize hydrogen peroxide burn?

Answer 1

I received a hydrogen peroxide burn from a swimming pool chemical. While handling a container of "oxidizer" (12% hydrogen peroxide), the reminant substance on the outside of the box began to make my hands tingle. With that feeling, I immediately washed my hands with soap and water. That did absolutely nothing. The chemical burn continued and in minutes my hands began turning blotchy white in color.

Luckily, I had a relative working in a dermatoligist office. We immediately contacted her and she recommended soaking my hands in a bowl of warm water and baking soda. This neutralized the chemical and within a minute or two I felt relief. In ten minutes most of the white discoloration had disappeared.

I'm not to sure about the baking soda, probably wouldn't do much. The warm water is what did the trick. I work with industrial grade 35% hydrogen peroxide and actually got some on my hands and fingers just this morning. Where the H202 got on me turned bright white, and burned rather intensely the longer it was absorbed. I consulted the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for it and they recommended washing your hands in soap and water for 15 minutes. All H202 is, is really just water with an extra oxygen molecule. The whiteness of the skin will usually last for a couple of hours, but as long as you flush your skin with warm water the burning will usually go away after a little while.