What should I do if vinegar burns?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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What to do with a vinegar burn depends on its kind.
Burns with acetic acid are classified as chemical. When exposed to skin or mucous vinegar causes severe burns. Therefore, it is important to observe safety when working with it, and also keep it out of the reach of children.
Burns with vinegar may be internal (esophagus, stomach, etc.) or external (skin).
First aid for burning with vinegar
With an external burn with acetic acid, it is necessary to release the affected area from clothing to stop the irritating effect of the acid, then it is necessary to thoroughly wash the wound for 15-20 minutes (it is best to take a shower, since acetic acid drops could get into other parts of the body).
Rinse the affected area with cooler water, which will also help reduce pain. During washing, you need to use a soda or soap solution, which will help neutralize the effect of acid.
After the wound is well cleaned, the skin can be applied with an antiseptic and covered with a dry clean dressing that prevents infection.
After that, a doctor's consultation is needed, which, if necessary, will help and prescribe an effective treatment.
With burns of mucous membranes and internal organs, vinegar causes severe damage. When ingested, acetic acid interacts with hydrochloric acid, which increases the negative effect. First of all, it is necessary to wash the intestines, drink more liquid, to neutralize the acid, you can drink a soda solution.
With internal burns with vinegar, you need to seek medical help as early as possible in order to start timely and effective treatment.
The treatment of a burn from acetic acid lasts about 3 to 4 weeks.
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