What should I do if my skin is burned by welding arc light?
Apr 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
After skin injury from welding arc flash, immediately soak the affected area in ice water or apply a cold compress to rapidly reduce the temperature of the burned area and alleviate pain. Additionally, follow medical advice to topically apply erythromycin ointment and take diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets orally for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, preventing secondary infection. If the wound is deep and significantly affects appearance, seek hospital treatment for surgical debridement or skin grafting as necessary.
Skin burns caused by welding arc light can be treated through cold compresses, medications, or surgery. The specific approaches are as follows:
1. Cold compress
Immediately immerse the burned area in ice water or apply a local ice pack to rapidly reduce the temperature of the affected site, minimize further tissue damage from heat, and relieve pain.
2. Medications
Under medical guidance, topical application of medications such as compound polymyxin B ointment, mupirocin ointment, or erythromycin ointment can help prevent skin infection. If significant pain is present, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, paracetamol tablets, or celecoxib capsules may be used in combination to relieve pain and prevent secondary infection.
3. Surgery
If the wound is deep and significantly affects appearance, and there is poor improvement with medication, surgical intervention at a hospital—such as wound debridement or skin grafting—may be necessary to achieve effective treatment.
During welding, wearing a protective face shield and canvas work clothing can prevent skin burns and also avoid inhaling welding fumes, thereby reducing adverse health effects.
