how long does chemical burn take to heal

Best answer

How long a chemical burn takes to heal depends on its severity and the substance that caused it. First-degree burn: Generally heals withinthree to six days. After one or two days, the skin can lightly peel. Second-degree burn: Healing can take over three weeks.

People also ask

A minor burn may heal within a few days. But a more serious burn may take weeks or even months to heal completely. When the skin is damaged by a burn, it may become infected. You can help prevent infection and help your burn heal. Keep the burn clean, and change the bandages often.

The amount of damage to the skin depends on how strong the chemical was, how much of it was on the skin, and how long it was there. Chemical burns, even minor ones, can be very painful.

Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam to assess the immediate tissue damage caused by the chemical burn, and ask a series of questions to assess any potential damage. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about the substance that caused the chemical burn, how long it was in contact with the skin, and the affected body parts.

Fortunately, most chemical burns don鈥檛 do major damage to the skin. In fact, many are caused by common household or workplace materials and can be treated in outpatient settings鈥攐nly about 5 percent of patients seeking emergency medical care for a chemical burn are admitted to the hospital.