In Basic First Aid for chemical burns, which action is NOT recommended?

In Basic First Aid for chemical burns, which action is NOT recommended?

• A. Do not apply ointment, grease, powder or other agents
• B. Wash with large amounts of water
• C. Remove contaminated clothing
• D. Cover area loosely with clean soft cover

Answer: (D)

When treating chemical burns, the priority is to dilute and remove the chemical, then protect the wound without introducing contaminants. You should flush with large amounts of running water, remove any contaminated clothing, and avoid applying ointments, grease, or powders. After irrigation, the wound should be covered with a sterile, dry dressing to reduce infection risk and keep it clean. Covering the area loosely with a clean soft cover isn’t recommended because such covers are not guaranteed to be sterile and may introduce fibers, harbor contaminants, or hold moisture. A loose nonsterile covering can also make it harder to assess the burn and may trap residues, potentially worsening irritation. Using a sterile, dry dressing provides better protection and lowers infection risk.

When treating chemical burns, the priority is to dilute and remove the chemical, then protect the wound without introducing contaminants. You should flush with large amounts of running water, remove any contaminated clothing, and avoid applying ointments, grease, or powders. After irrigation, the wound should be covered with a sterile, dry dressing to reduce infection risk and keep it clean.

Covering the area loosely with a clean soft cover isn’t recommended because such covers are not guaranteed to be sterile and may introduce fibers, harbor contaminants, or hold moisture. A loose nonsterile covering can also make it harder to assess the burn and may trap residues, potentially worsening irritation. Using a sterile, dry dressing provides better protection and lowers infection risk.