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Acid and chemical burns

Get medical advice as soon as possible if you think you have an acid or chemical burn. You'll need to be treated as soon as possible.

If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Get medical advice as soon as possible if you think you have an acid or chemical burn. You'll need to be treated as soon as possible.

How acid or chemical burns happen

Acid or chemical burns can happen when a harmful acid or chemical gets on your skin, or in your eyes.

Examples of harmful acids and chemicals include:

  • bleach
  • other household cleaning products, such as toilet, oven, and drain cleaners
  • battery acid (a liquid inside some types of batteries)
  • washing detergents
  • ammonia
  • chemicals used in industries such as farming, manufacturing, construction and laboratories

Many products have a label saying if they're harmful and if there's a risk of burns.

Call 112 if:

  • you or someone else has got an acid or chemical on your skin, or in your eyes

First aid for an acid or chemical burn

An acid or chemical burn needs immediate first aid.

  1. Call 112 for medical help.
  2. Wear gloves to protect yourself from the chemical when helping yourself or someone else, if possible.
  3. Carefully remove any clothing that has the chemical on it, if possible.
  4. Carefully brush dry chemicals off the skin.
  5. Put the affected area under cool or lukewarm running water or pour lots of water over it for about 1 hour.

Important

Do not put anything on the burn, such as skin creams or other chemicals.

Treatment for acid and chemical burns

Acid and chemical burns need to be checked and treated in hospital.

You may need:

  • painkillers to help ease pain
  • antibiotics to treat infection, or to stop you getting an infection
  • fluids, usually given through a vein

If your burn is severe, you may also need:

  • surgery to help your burn wounds to heal
  • reconstructive surgery if your burn affects your movement or physical appearance
  • physiotherapy if the burn has a lasting effect on your movement
Consult with a doctor about Acid and chemical burns

Consult with a doctor about Acid and chemical burns

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for Acid and chemical burns

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Acid and chemical burns with a doctor online.

5.0 (3)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques.

For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance.

Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults.

In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions.

Patients commonly seek his care for:

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns
Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
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