Treatment for Acid Exposure to Hands

Immediate Management

For acid exposure to the hands, immediate and copious irrigation with water is the first-line treatment to dilute and remove the acid, according to the American Heart Association, as published in Circulation 1
Immediately irrigate the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15-20 minutes to dilute and remove the acid, as recommended by the American Heart Association, as published in Circulation 1
Use lukewarm or cool water rather than hot water to prevent additional skin barrier damage, as suggested by medical guidelines 2
Pat dry hands gently rather than rubbing to avoid further irritation, as advised by medical guidelines 2

Use appropriate protective gloves when handling acids, as recommended by medical guidelines 2
Consider occupational modification if exposure occurred in a workplace setting, as suggested by medical guidelines 2
For healthcare workers or those regularly exposed to chemicals, use water-based moisturizers under gloves, as advised by medical guidelines 2

Delaying irrigation after exposure, as warned by the American Heart Association, as published in Circulation 1