What To Do
Do you know how to treat an exposure to substances like bleach, acetone, or acid? Proper first aid can prevent irritation or a chemical burn. Learn how to handle this type of contact injury with these basic first aid tips for poisoning on the skin.
First aid measures for treating skin exposures:
- Remove any jewelry or clothing that could have been contaminated by the chemical.
- Rinse the affected area with cool water to get off any of the leftover chemicals for at least 10 minutes. For dry chemicals, brush off any remaining chemicals before rinsing with water.
- After rinsing, wash the area gently with soap and water.
- Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 to talk to a specially trained nurse or pharmacist for more treatment advice.
Important
Some chemical burns you may notice instantly, while others can take hours to develop after exposure. If you think your skin has been exposed to a poison, but don’t see any symptoms, call the Missouri Poison Center for guidance.
Other Poison Routes
Inhaled
Eyes
Swallowed
Take The Missouri Poison Center With You
Emergencies don’t wait for you, so you shouldn’t have to wait to call for help. Get the Missouri Poison Center app with poison information and a link to the Poison Help Line. It is just a click away during the most stressful moments. Our registered nurses and pharmacists are here 24/7/365 days a year to help guide you through poison exposures and overdose emergencies.
Don’t wait. Download now.
