What should I do if my skin is peeling due to alkali corrosion on my hand?

When the skin on the hand is eroded due to alkali corrosion, immediate measures such as rinsing with running water, applying a weak acidic solution for neutralization, using moisturizing and repair ointments, avoiding irritation to the damaged skin, and seeking medical treatment when necessary can be taken. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Immediately rinse with running water: After contact with alkali, quickly place the affected hand under running water and rinse continuously for 15–20 minutes. This helps dilute and wash away residual alkali, reducing ongoing corrosion and minimizing tissue damage. Use lukewarm water during rinsing to avoid further irritation from water that is too cold or too hot.

2. Apply a weak acidic solution for neutralization: If possible, after rinsing, apply a small amount of diluted white vinegar or boric acid solution. The weakly acidic component helps neutralize any remaining alkali and relieve the burning sensation. However, ensure the solution concentration is not too high. After application, gently wipe off with clean water to prevent additional irritation to the injured skin.

3. Use moisturizing and skin-repair ointments: After cleaning the peeling area, apply urea-vitamin E cream or recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel. Urea helps soften the keratinized layer and promotes skin regeneration, while epidermal growth factor accelerates wound healing. Apply 2–3 times daily to keep the damaged skin moist and support recovery.

4. Avoid irritating the damaged skin: During the peeling phase, do not peel or pull off loose skin, as this may worsen the injury and lead to infection. Avoid contact with irritants such as soap and detergents. Wear gloves when doing household chores to minimize friction and external irritation to the injured skin.

5. Seek medical treatment when necessary: If the skin peeling covers a large area and is accompanied by significant pain, redness, swelling, or pus discharge, an infection may have developed. In such cases, prompt medical attention is required. A healthcare provider may disinfect and dress the wound accordingly and prescribe antibiotics if needed to prevent worsening of the condition.

When handling alkaline substances in daily life, wear protective gloves to prevent exposure. Handle corrosive injuries gently and follow proper procedures. If a wound fails to heal over time or shows signs of infection, do not self-medicate—seek professional medical assistance promptly.