sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Chemical burn or reaction: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for new trouble breathing, throat swelling, severe chest pain, fainting, confusion, seizures, sudden vision loss, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical review if pain, redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or odor is increasing; a fever develops; the wound is not healing; or movement becomes restricted.

    These are different from routine wound concerns and should not wait for a scheduled visit.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Keep dressings clean and attend planned reassessments because burn depth and healing can change.

    Do not pop blisters or apply household remedies, butter, oils, or unapproved chemicals.

    Routine follow-up may include checking wound closure, movement, sensation, scarring, and return to work.

    Eye injuries usually need specialist review.

    Persistent or recurring dermatitis may require dermatology assessment, patch testing, or workplace changes.

The article also says

Follow the wound-care plan provided by the treating team.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Chemical burn or reaction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.