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This is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately, then follow these steps while waiting for help.

Chemical Burn in a Child

Content reviewed against published AAP, ABA, Poison Control guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Chemical burns occur when a child contacts caustic substances such as drain cleaners, oven cleaners, bleach, or battery acid. The chemical continues to burn until completely removed. Immediate and thorough flushing with water is critical.

Immediate actions

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Remove the child from the source of the chemical immediately
  • DO NOT: Do NOT apply butter, ointment, or home remedies to chemical burns

Step-by-Step Response

1

Protect yourself

Put on gloves if available. Do not touch the chemical with bare hands. Move child away from the chemical source.

2

Remove contaminated items

Carefully remove clothing, shoes, and jewelry that contacted the chemical. Cut clothing off rather than pulling over the head.

3

Flush with water

Run large amounts of cool (not cold) water over the burn for at least 20 minutes. Use a shower, hose, or faucet. Ensure water runs off the body and does not pool.

4

Call for help

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. Call 911 if the burn is large, involves the face/eyes/genitals, or the child is in significant distress.

5

Identify the chemical

If safe to do so, bring the container or label to share with medical providers. Note the name, concentration, and how long it was in contact.

6

Cover the burn

After thorough flushing, cover with a clean, dry, non-fluffy dressing or cling film. Do not wrap tightly.

7

Monitor for shock

Watch for pale/clammy skin, rapid breathing, and confusion. Keep child warm and lying down with legs elevated if shock is suspected.

What NOT to Do

  • ✕Do NOT apply butter, ointment, or home remedies to chemical burns
  • ✕Do NOT use neutralizing agents (e.g., vinegar for alkali burns) — this can cause a heat reaction
  • ✕Do NOT try to wipe the chemical off dry — flush with water
  • ✕Do NOT break blisters
  • ✕Do NOT delay flushing to call for help — start water immediately
  • ✕Do NOT remove clothing stuck to the burn — cut around it

When to Seek Help

Call 911 if:

  • Chemical burn covers a large area of the body
  • Burns to the face, eyes, hands, feet, or genitals
  • Child swallowed the chemical
  • Child is having difficulty breathing (chemical inhalation)
  • Child shows signs of shock
  • Deep burns where skin appears white, brown, or charred

Go to ER if:

  • Any chemical burn in a child — even if it appears minor after flushing
  • Burns from strong acids or alkalis (drain cleaner, oven cleaner, battery acid)
  • Chemical contact with eyes
  • Any burn that blisters or goes deeper than surface redness
  • Child ingested or inhaled the chemical

Call your doctor if:

  • Small, superficial chemical burn (minor redness) after thorough flushing
  • Follow-up care after ER visit for a chemical burn
  • Signs of infection developing days after burn (increased redness, warmth, pus)

Age-Specific Guidance

0-1 year

Babies may contact chemicals from improperly stored cleaning products, diaper rash creams containing harsh chemicals in eyes, or battery acid from leaking toys. Always flush immediately with water.

1-3 years

Toddlers are the highest risk group as they explore by touching and tasting. Common exposures: drain cleaner, dish detergent pods, bleach, and toilet bowl cleaner. Childproof all cabinets.

3-8 years

Children may access garage chemicals (pool chemicals, pesticides, car products) or school art supplies. Teach children to never touch containers with warning labels and to tell an adult immediately.

Prevention

  • Store all cleaning products and chemicals in locked cabinets out of reach
  • Keep products in original containers with labels intact
  • Install child-safety locks on cabinets containing chemicals
  • Never transfer chemicals to food/drink containers
  • Keep batteries (especially button batteries) secured and out of reach
  • Supervise children during crafts involving glue, paint removers, or solvents
  • Post Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222) visibly in your home

Frequently asked questions

Should I call 911 for chemical burn in a child?
Yes. Chemical burn covers a large area of the body
What should I do first?
Remove the child from the source of the chemical immediately. Remove contaminated clothing and jewelry while flushing. Flush the burned area with large amounts of cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) and/or 911
What should I NOT do?
Do NOT apply butter, ointment, or home remedies to chemical burns. Do NOT use neutralizing agents (e.g., vinegar for alkali burns) — this can cause a heat reaction. Do NOT try to wipe the chemical off dry — flush with water. Do NOT break blisters. Do NOT delay flushing to call for help — start water immediately. Do NOT remove clothing stuck to the burn — cut around it
How can I prevent this?
Store all cleaning products and chemicals in locked cabinets out of reach. Keep products in original containers with labels intact. Install child-safety locks on cabinets containing chemicals

Sources

AAPABAPOISON CONTROL

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

Related Emergency Guides

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Bottom line

This is a serious emergency. Always call 911 first, then follow the steps above while help is on the way.

You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.