What are the appropriate first‑aid measures for a chemical burn to the skin or eyes caused by exposure to Lysol?

First Aid for Lysol Burns

Immediately irrigate the affected area with copious amounts of running tap water for at least 15 minutes, remove all contaminated clothing and jewelry, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. 1, 2

Immediate Decontamination Steps

For Skin Exposure

• Remove the victim from the source and take them to an area with fresh air immediately 3
• Remove all contaminated clothing, shoes, and jewelry before they trap chemicals against the skin—this is critical to prevent ongoing injury 1, 2
• If Lysol is in powder form, brush off the dry chemical with a gloved hand or cloth before water irrigation to avoid exothermic reactions 1, 2
• Begin water irrigation immediately—do not delay to search for "better" solutions or neutralizing agents 2, 4
• Irrigate with copious amounts of running tap water for at least 15 minutes as the minimum duration 1, 2
  • Continue longer if pain persists or the specific chemical concentration is unknown 2
  • Early irrigation (within 3 minutes) significantly reduces full-thickness burns, hospital days, and complications compared to delayed treatment 2, 5

For Eye Exposure

• Irrigate eyes immediately with copious tap water for 15 minutes minimum 1, 4
  • Tap water is the preferred and most readily available irrigation fluid 4
  • Normal saline, Ringer's lactate, or commercial eye wash solutions are reasonable alternatives if immediately available 1, 4
• Direct water flow away from the uninjured eye to avoid cross-contamination and converting a unilateral injury to bilateral 4
• Assist the patient in keeping eyelids open during irrigation if needed 1, 4
• Continue irrigation until healthcare professionals can evaluate and confirm eye pH has normalized 4
• Remove contact lenses if present 3

After Initial Decontamination

• Cover skin burns loosely with a clean, non-adherent dressing to reduce pain and protect from contamination 2
• Do not apply ice, butter, oil, or other home remedies—these cause additional tissue damage 2
• Do not break any blisters that form, as this increases infection risk 2

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Activate emergency medical services immediately if the patient exhibits: 1, 2

• Difficulty breathing or respiratory symptoms
• Persistent or worsening pain despite irrigation
• Burns with blisters or broken skin
• Burns to the face, hands, feet, or genitals
• Any signs of systemic toxicity (sleepiness, seizures, vomiting)
• Eye exposure with persistent symptoms after irrigation

Additional Resources

• Contact Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222 in the US) for chemical-specific treatment recommendations 1, 2
• Safety Data Sheets can provide information on the specific Lysol product involved 1

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never delay irrigation to transport the patient or search for specialized solutions—every second counts in preventing permanent damage 2, 4
• Do not administer anything by mouth unless advised by poison control, as this may cause harm 1
• Do not use activated charcoal or ipecac for any exposure route 1
• Avoid contaminating yourself during decontamination—use personal protective equipment if available 6

The evidence strongly supports that immediate water irrigation is the single most important first aid measure, with studies showing that patients receiving prompt first aid had significantly less full-thickness injury and more than twofold shorter hospital stays compared to those with delayed treatment 5. The 2024 American Heart Association guidelines emphasize that irrigation within 3 minutes of exposure dramatically improves outcomes 1, 2.