What is the immediate first aid for chemical burns on the skin?

• A. Wash with running water for 10-15 minutes
• B. Pour milk on the burned areas
• C. Call the nearest poison control center for instructions
• D. Apply antibiotic ointment

Answer: (A)

Immediate first aid for chemical burns on the skin is to rinse the area with running water for 10 to 15 minutes. This action quickly washes away the chemical, dilutes it, and prevents further tissue damage. Time is critical, so start rinsing right away rather than trying other remedies first.

Pouring milk isn’t reliable and can introduce infection or cause other reactions; it doesn’t effectively remove the chemical. Applying antibiotic ointment doesn’t address the chemical residue and can trap it against the skin. While contacting a poison control center for instructions is wise, it should follow the initial rinsing to ensure immediate removal of the chemical. After flushing, remove contaminated clothing and seek medical advice if the burn is large, very painful, involves the face or eyes, or if the chemical exposure is unknown or persistent.