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What to do for a vinegar burn?
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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What to do if you get a vinegar burn depends on the type of vinegar.
Vinegar burns are classified as chemical. When vinegar comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes, it causes severe burns. Therefore, it is important to be safe when working with it and to keep it out of the reach of children.
A vinegar burn can be internal (esophagus, stomach, etc.) or external (skin).
First Aid for Vinegar Burns
In case of an external burn with acetic acid, it is necessary to remove clothing from the affected area 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 drops of acetic acid could have gotten on other parts of the body).
It is better to wash the affected area with cool water, which will also help reduce pain. When washing, you need to use a soda or soap solution, which will help neutralize the effect of the acid.
Once the wound is thoroughly cleaned, an antiseptic can be applied to the skin and covered with a dry, clean bandage to prevent infection.
After this, a consultation with a doctor is necessary, who, if necessary, will provide assistance and prescribe effective treatment.
In case of burns of mucous membranes and internal organs, vinegar causes quite 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, and to neutralize the acid, you can drink a soda solution.
For internal vinegar burns, you should seek medical help as soon as possible to begin timely and effective treatment.
Treatment for acetic acid burns takes about 3 to 4 weeks.
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