(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.
