What is a recommended initial step in chemical burn care?

• A. Brush Dry Chemical Off, Flush With Water
• B. Flush With Water
• C. Apply Ointment
• D. Cover With Dry Dressing

Answer: (A)

When dealing with a chemical burn, removing the contaminant quickly is the priority, and the approach depends on whether the chemical is dry or liquid. For a dry chemical, the best first step is to brush the powder off the skin before you begin irrigation. Brushing helps remove the reacting residue and prevents the chemical from continuing to interact with water or cause further tissue damage once you start flushing. After you’ve brushed away the dry chemical, immediately flush the area with copious water to dilute and rinse away any remaining chemical.

Keep in mind not to rub the skin vigorously, and avoid applying ointments or coverings until irrigation is complete, since these can trap residues and hinder cleansing. If the chemical were a liquid, the priority would be immediate irrigation without brushing, but with a dry chemical, the initial brushing is the key step.