[BLUESTREAK23]

Today I was in lab and I was using 6M NaOH in an extraction and some how or another I got this stuff on my arm (3 inches x 1/2 inch area). I didn't know it until it started burning a little on the way home, so I pulled over and washed it in water for 15 minutes. I got home, and it started burning a bit more, so I rinsed it with more water, dried it off, and added vinegar to neutralize it. I called a burn center and they said the damage has already been done (I ruled out going to the ER) and to add Neosporn to Telfa (an adhesive sheet) and wrap it up. Is there anything else that I could do.

I've been a member here for a while and this definately wasn't what I wanted my first post to be about. Any help would be appreciated.

[Arkcon]

Ah, your first kiss from sweet lady chemistry.  She sure plays rough, doesn't she?  You did the right thing, you called the burn center, and gave them good info.  If the burn center didn't tell you to go to the emergency room, then don't, they don't really have the specific ability to help you, at least, not better than the burn center or the poison control center.  And I know from personal experience.  Just keep monitoring the area, the NaOH will have stopped damaging tissue long ago.  Keep it clean, let hit heal, wear your battle scars proudly.  And try to cover up better, next time.

[nj_bartel]

Just make sure it doesn't get infected.  If you suspect it is - get to your primary care doc asap.  Antibiotics, all better.

[Borek]

Next time save yourself vinegar step. Plenty of water does the trick. If you really want to use some chemicals to neutralize, use sodium bicarbonate - it neutralizes both acids and bases, not having high nor low pH by itself.

[BLUESTREAK23]

Thanks for the help guys. I was kind of getting freaked out last night. I have definatly learned my lesson to take extra precautions even when I'm in a hurry.

[Interested1]

Baking soda would help also. It reacts against the acids to lower the ph level.

[nj_bartel]

Next time save yourself vinegar step. Plenty of water does the trick. If you really want to use some chemicals to neutralize, use sodium bicarbonate - it neutralizes both acids and bases, not having high nor low pH by itself.

[Borek]

Baking soda would help also. It reacts against the acids to lower the ph level.

baking soda = sodium bicarbonate