Dermal Exposure-First Aid and management:

DERMAL EXPOSURE-FIRST AID AND MANAGEMENT

Dermal exposure occurs when a toxicant causes damage to the epidermal tissue or is absorbed through the epidermis and enters the bloodstream.

FIRST AID:

・Remove the toxicant from skin, contaminated clothing, contact lenses, and jewels to protect skin from further exposure.

・Wash exposed area (use the shower if required) for a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 15 minutes.

・Wrap the person in a dry blanket after the shower.

・Use soap to remove oily substances.

・Caustic contamination may need prolonged irrigation.

Contamination of skin with phenol and some of its derivatives may produce rapid collapse. 

BEWARE: Standard first aid treatment for chemical burns (washing the skin with cold water for 10-15 minutes) may increase systemic absorption and toxicity in the case of phenol burns

Thus if splashed on skin:

・Wearing gloves, remove the contaminated clothing and swab area repeatedly with polyethylene glycol 300 (PEG) for 30 mins.

・Cover lightly with a sterile dressing.

・Treat for a shock if required.

・Arrange urgent removal to the hospital by ambulance if necessary.

・The attendant should wear protective gear "gloves, goggles and shoe cover"

MANAGEMENT:

Some substances may react with water and that should be brushed off e.g. chlorosulfonic acid, calcium oxide, and titanium tetrachloride.

For some substances, the local application of certain chemical compounds as soaks may be useful.

                 For Hydrofluoric acid- use Calcium gluconate 2.5%

                 For Oxalic acid- use calcium gluconate

                 For Phenol- use Mineral oil and other oil

                 For White phosphorus- use copper sulfate at 1%