From the Guidelines
For a burn reaction to acid wipes, immediately rinse the affected area with cool running water for as long as possible to neutralize the acid and stop the burning process, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. This is crucial because acid burns can continue damaging tissue even after initial contact, so prompt rinsing is essential to minimize tissue damage by diluting and removing the acid before it can penetrate deeper into the skin. Some key points to consider when treating a burn reaction to acid wipes include:
- Removing contaminated clothing and jewelry to avoid trapping chemicals against the skin during decontamination 1
- Using personal protective equipment when exposure to the caustic agent is possible 1
- Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to keep the burn moist and prevent infection after rinsing
- Covering the affected area with a non-stick sterile bandage or gauze to protect the wound and reduce pain 1
- Monitoring for signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus, and seeking immediate medical attention if necessary It's also important to note that the extent of the injury from caustic materials is related to the mechanism and concentration of the chemical, its depth of penetration, the volume of chemical that the victim is exposed to, the body site involved, and how long the exposure lasts 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Burn Reaction to Acid Wipes
- The treatment for burn reactions to acid wipes typically involves topical antibacterial agents to prevent infection and promote healing 2.
- Silver sulfadiazine is a commonly used topical antibacterial agent for burn wounds, with low toxicity and few side effects 2, 3.
- However, studies have shown that Aloe vera cream or gel may be more effective than silver sulfadiazine in promoting healing and reducing itching and pain in burn wounds 4, 5, 6.
- A randomized controlled study found that Aloe vera cream resulted in faster re-epithelialization and healing of partial thickness burns compared to silver sulfadiazine 4.
- Another study found that Aloe vera gel reduced itching and pain in burn patients and promoted faster healing compared to silver sulfadiazine cream 5.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis also found that Aloe vera resulted in faster healing times for second- and third-degree burns compared to silver sulfadiazine 6.
- Silver sulfadiazine therapy is still considered an effective and safe option for managing moderate and severe burns, but may require additional treatments to optimize results 3.