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When eyes and skin are exposed to chemicals

What to know and what to do when chemical accidents happen. Understand the immediate actions to take and how the right first aid can help reduce the severity of injuries.

What should you know when the eyes or skin are exposed to chemicals?

Below, we guide you through the key topics, and if you are looking for more in-depth professional information, you can read our article here.

Topics we cover:

Understanding chemical injuries

Chemical accidents involving the eyes or skin require immediate and correct first aid. Acids and alkalis affect tissue differently and may require different treatment approaches.

The severity of the injury depends on several factors:

  • The type of chemical
  • The physical form of the substance
  • The duration of exposure
  • How quickly rinsing is started

Fast and correct rinsing can help reduce tissue damage.

Explanation of terms

Acid: A substance that releases H⁺ ions and lowers the pH.
Alkali: A substance that accepts H⁺ ions or releases OH⁻ ions and raises the pH.
H+: Hydrogen ion that contributes to an acidic environment.
OH-: Hydroxide ion that contributes to a basic environment.
Stratum corneum (horny layer): The outermost layer of the epidermis that provides a protective barrier.
Epidermis: The outer layer of the skin.
Dermis: The layer beneath the epidermis that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.
Cell membrane: The thin barrier surrounding each skin cell.
Phospholipids (lipids): Fat-like molecules that form the cell membrane’s bilayer and act as a protective barrier.
Proteins: Molecules with many functions, such as transport, signalling and building tissue.

Photo source: The image was generated using AI

What can happen?

Acids (H⁺):

  • Lower pH
  • Proteins can denature (change shape) and coagulate
  • Can damage cells and tissue
  • Severe exposure can reach the dermis

Alkali (OH⁻):

  • Higher pH
  • Can break down proteins and lipids
  • Often penetrate deeper into the skin
  • Severe exposure can reach the dermis

What type of chemical is involved – acid or alkali?

The first step in a chemical accident is identifying the substance if possible.

Questions to consider:

  • Is the substance an acid or an alkali?
  • What is the name of the product or chemical?
  • Is safety information or a safety data sheet (SDS) available?

Acids
Acids can damage the surface of the skin or eye by affecting the proteins in the cells. The damage often stays closer to the surface, although it can still be serious and painful. One important exception is hydrofluoric acid: although classified as an acid, it behaves more like an alkali because its small fluoride ion penetrates deep into tissue, and significant exposure can also cause life-threatening systemic effects (low blood calcium and magnesium).

Alkalis
Alkalis can break down the protective structure of the cells, allowing the chemical to penetrate deeper into the tissue. Because of this, alkali injuries are often more severe and may continue to develop even after the first contact.

Photo source: The image was generated using AI

What form does the chemical have – liquid, powder, gel or solid?

The physical form of the product affects how the injury should be handled.

Examples:

  • Liquids may spread quickly across tissue
  • Powders may remain trapped in folds of skin or under eyelids
  • Gels or creams may adhere to the surface and prolong exposure

    Symptoms of chemical injury

    Symptoms vary depending on the chemical and severity of exposure.

     Eye exposure may cause:

    • Pain or burning sensation
    • Redness
    • Excessive tearing
    • Blurred vision
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Swelling
    Chemical injury at eye

    Chemical injury at eye

    Metallic foreign body at eye

    Metallic foreign body at eye

    Skin exposure may cause:

    • Redness or irritation
    • Burning sensation
    • Blisters
    • Tissue damage
    • Discoloration or whitening of the skin
    Skin damage by acids and alkalis

    Skin damage by acids and alkalis

    Chemical burn with sodium hydroxide (alkali) also known as caustic soda.

    Chemical burn with sodium hydroxide (alkali) also known as caustic soda

    Immediate rinsing and first aid

    Chemical damage continues as long as the substance remains in contact with tissue. The faster chemicals are diluted/neutralized or removed, the lower the risk of severe injury.

    Rapid rinsing can help:

    • Dilute/neutralize the chemical
    • Reduce penetration into tissue
    • Limit damage to proteins and cell membranes
    • Improve the chance of recovery

    The correct wound and eyewash solution should be easily accessible in areas where chemical exposure may occur.

    When to use saline solution

    Plum Wound and Eyewash 0.9% Sodium Chloride is recommended for:

    • Dust or dirt in the eye
    • Foreign objects
    • Minor wound cleansing
    • General flushing of particles from skin or eyes
      See product

      When to use pH neutral solution

      Plum Wound and Eyewash pH Neutral 4.9% Phosphate is recommended for:

      • Exposure to acids
      • Exposure to alkalis
      • Situations where rapid pH neutralization is important

      The phosphate buffer helps bring the pH closer to normal levels and may reduce ongoing chemical reactions in the tissue.

        See product

        Ready to take your knowledge a level deeper?

        If you would like a deeper understanding of the chemical mechanisms behind acid and alkali injuries, including how tissue damage develops, why alkali injuries are often more severe, and how pH-neutral rinsing solutions work, you can explore the topic further here: 

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