From the Guidelines
To treat a chemical lip burn, immediately rinse the affected area with cool running water for at least 15-20 minutes to remove the chemical and stop the burning process, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This initial step is crucial in minimizing tissue damage and preventing further burning. After thorough rinsing, gently pat the lips dry and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or an antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Polysporin to keep the area moist and protected. Some key considerations for managing chemical lip burns include:
- Avoiding spicy, hot, or acidic foods that may irritate the burn
- Applying petroleum jelly 3-4 times daily until healed for mild burns
- Seeking immediate medical attention if the burn is severe, showing signs such as blistering, significant swelling, or white/charred appearance The use of white soft paraffin ointment on the lips every 2 hours during the acute phase, as suggested by the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines 1, may also be beneficial in promoting healing and reducing discomfort. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 prioritizes the initial rinsing and protection of the wound, which should be the primary focus in treating chemical lip burns. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help manage pain and inflammation, but the primary goal is to minimize tissue damage and promote healing. Chemical burns are dangerous because the caustic substance can continue damaging tissue even after initial contact, so prompt rinsing is crucial to minimize tissue damage by diluting and removing the chemical, ultimately reducing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life.
From the Research
Chemical Lip Burn Treatment
- Chemical burns, including those to the lip area, require immediate and proper treatment to minimize damage and promote healing 2.
- The pathophysiology of chemical burns is distinct from thermal burns, and recommended first aid approaches are consequently different 3, 2.
- For chemical burns to the skin, including the lip area, immediate water lavage for 60 minutes is recommended, followed by removal of contaminated clothing and covering the wound with a sterile dressing 2.
Topical Antimicrobial Agents
- Topical antimicrobial agents play a crucial role in preventing infection in burn wounds, including chemical lip burns 4, 5.
- Silver-containing dressings are often recommended over antiseptics or antibiotics, regardless of the depth of the burn 5.
- Silver sulfadiazine is a commonly recommended topical antimicrobial agent, particularly in low-resource settings 5.
Treatment Algorithms
- A treatment algorithm for the management of intraoral burns, including chemical lip burns, has been proposed, emphasizing the importance of conservative modalities of treatment 6.
- The algorithm is subdivided into the four primary etiologies of intraoral burns: thermogenic, cryogenic, chemical, and electrical 6.
- The use of topical antimicrobial agents, such as silver-containing dressings, may be recommended as part of the treatment algorithm for chemical lip burns 5, 6.