What should I do about chemical burns? Burns caused by strong acids, bases or corrosive chemicals can be very serious and require immediate medical attention. Chemical removal: To prevent chemical burns from continuing to cause serious injury, first carefully remove excess chemicals and any contaminated clothing from the surface of the skin, then flush the affected area with as much water as possible. Use extreme caution when removing chemicals and contaminated clothing and do not touch or spread the chemical, as there is a risk of further injury to the victim or helper. Consider using gloves or other protective materials to cover the hands, and it is recommended that contaminated clothing be cut away rather than pulled off the head. Try not to wipe the skin, and in the case of dry chemicals, brush them off the skin. Rinse with clean water: Rinse the affected area continuously with clean water as soon as possible to remove any residual chemicals. Make sure water can run off the affected area without pooling on the skin or spreading the chemical to a larger area. It is recommended to rinse with water and not rub or wipe the area. Prompt medical phone communication and follow the recommendations for further action to avoid further damage. Hospital visit: Admission to the hospital may continue to flush the caustic substance with water until it is completely removed; clean the burn and cover it with an appropriate dressing; relieve pain; and administer tetanus antitoxin if necessary. Progressive recovery: Minor burns affect the outer layer of the skin, while some subcutaneous tissue usually remains well enough to heal effectively, leaving little scarring. It is also necessary to check and change the dressing regularly until the burn is completely healed to prevent infection. Severe burns may be treated in a specialized burn unit in a hospital, requiring hospitalization and, in some cases, surgery to remove the burned area of skin and replace it with a portion of skin taken from another part of the body (a graft). More severe, deeper burns may take months or even years to fully heal and often leave some visible scarring. In some cases, the depth and location of specific burns may also lead to problems such as loss of vision or limited use of limbs and muscles in certain areas.