Alkali Burn: Causes, Treatment, and What to Do After Exposure
When you hear alkali burn, a type of chemical injury caused by strong bases like lye, ammonia, or drain cleaners. Also known as caustic burn, it’s not like a typical burn—it doesn’t just hurt the surface. Alkali burns keep going deeper, eating through skin, muscle, and even bone if not stopped fast. Unlike acid burns, which often form a protective layer, alkali substances dissolve tissue and spread quickly. That’s why an alkali burn to the eye can blind you in minutes, and one on the skin can lead to permanent scarring or infection.
This is why eye injury, a common result of alkali exposure, especially from household cleaners is so dangerous. Many people think rinsing with water is enough, but it has to be done right—continuous flushing for at least 15 to 20 minutes, even if the pain seems to fade. Delaying or stopping too soon can mean permanent damage. The same goes for skin damage, often caused by accidental spills of cement, oven cleaners, or hair relaxers. These aren’t rare accidents—they happen in kitchens, garages, and beauty salons every day.
What makes alkali burns worse is how often they’re misunderstood. People reach for vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize the burn, thinking it’s like acid. But that’s a mistake. Neutralizing isn’t safe or fast enough. The only proven step is copious water. Hospitals treat these burns with specialized irrigation, pH testing, and sometimes surgery. But you don’t need to wait for the ER. The first 10 minutes after exposure are everything.
And it’s not just about the burn itself. Alkali exposure can trigger long-term problems—chronic dry eyes, scar tissue in the throat from inhaling fumes, or even kidney stress from absorbed chemicals. That’s why some of the posts below cover related issues: how certain medications can cause fluid retention that worsens swelling after injury, how autoimmune conditions can slow healing, and how steroid creams are sometimes used to manage the inflammation that follows. You’ll also find guides on treating skin irritations and managing side effects from chemicals, all tied back to real-world scenarios where alkali burns happen.
Whether you’re a parent worried about cleaning products, a worker handling industrial chemicals, or someone who had a bad reaction to a hair treatment, knowing what to do—and what not to do—can change everything. Below are real, practical guides that help you understand the risks, recognize the signs, and respond before it’s too late.
Ocular Trauma: Chemical Splashes and Immediate First Aid Steps That Save Vision
Chemical eye injuries can cause permanent vision loss in seconds. Learn the exact first aid steps-flushing for 20 minutes with water-that save sight, what to avoid, and why speed matters more than the type of liquid.
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