From the Guidelines
For a chemical burn on the lip, immediately rinse the area with cool running water for 15-20 minutes to remove the chemical 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 in reducing the extent of the injury and preventing further damage to the sensitive tissue of the lips. After rinsing, gently pat the area dry and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to keep the burn moist and protected. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help manage pain. For mild burns, continue applying petroleum jelly 3-4 times daily until healed. Some key considerations for treatment include:
- Avoid picking at any scabs that form, and don't use alcohol-based products which can cause further irritation.
- Seek immediate medical attention if the burn is severe (causing significant swelling, blistering, or extreme pain), if a large area is affected, or if you ingested the chemical.
- Chemical burns are dangerous because chemicals can continue to damage tissue even after initial contact, and the sensitive tissue of the lips can be particularly vulnerable to damage and scarring.
- Stay hydrated and consider using a straw for drinking to avoid irritating the burned area while it heals. It's also important to note that covering the burn with a nonadherent bandage or clean cloth can protect the wound and reduce pain, as suggested by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study, the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, prioritizes immediate rinsing with cool running water as the primary treatment step. In contrast to older guidelines, such as the 2010 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, which recommend brushing powdered chemicals off the skin, the current guidelines emphasize the importance of immediate irrigation with water.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Chemical Burns on the Lip
- The treatment for chemical burns, including those on the lip, involves assessing the burn depth and deciding on the best course of management 2.
- Topical antimicrobial agents can be used to minimize bacterial growth and promote wound healing, with the choice of agent depending on the depth of the burn 3, 4, 5.
- For superficial burns, the goal is to optimize re-epithelialization, while for deep burns, topical antimicrobial agents can be used until the wound is grafted 3.
- In some cases, early excision and grafting of the burn wound may be necessary, but this may not always be possible or beneficial, particularly for patients with impaired wound healing or advanced age or medical comorbidities 4, 5.
- Antimicrobial creams, ointments, solutions, and dressings can be used to prevent and treat burn wound infections, and research continues to develop new and effective topical treatments 5.
- A case report of oral chemical burns caused by self-medication in a child highlights the importance of proper treatment and care for chemical burns in sensitive areas such as the lips and mouth 6.