Can water gel burn dressings be used for chemical burns?

• A. Yes, but must flush with water before applying dressing
• B. No, never use them on chemical burns
• C. Yes, immediately without any pre-treatment
• D. Only after applying ointment

Answer: (A)

In chemical burns, the priority is to remove or dilute the chemical as quickly as possible with copious irrigation. After you’ve washed away as much chemical as possible, a moisture-retaining dressing can be applied to protect the wound and help keep it cool and moist. So water gel burn dressings are acceptable, but only after thorough flushing with water. Applying the dressing before irrigation risks trapping the chemical and causing more tissue damage. The option suggesting immediate use without irrigation is incorrect, and the idea of applying ointment first isn’t appropriate in the acute phase.