what does bleach do to skin - #20821
I am really worried about something that's been happening to my skin. A couple of weeks ago, I accidentally spilled some bleach on my arm while cleaning. I mean, it was just a small amount but it started to burn a little and turned red. I thought it was going to be fine but now I can't stop thinking about what this could mean. I finally went to the doctor, but they just said keep it clean and moisturized. Now I’m sitting here wondering, what does bleach do to skin exactly? Like, am I gonna end up with scars or something? I did some online research and saw various articles saying that bleach can cause irritation, burns, and even discoloration or worse which is just freaking me out even more! I've been super careful not to let any more chemicals touch my skin but what does bleach do to skin in the longer run? I know accidents happen, but should I be taking more precautions? I’m just trying to figure out if there's any lasting damage, or if I need to really see a dermatologist or what. Thanks for any insights!
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Doctors' responses
Bleach, especially the household kind you might use for cleaning, is quite caustic and can cause irritation and chemical burns when it comes in contact with the skin. When you spill bleach, even a small amount, it can cause a range of skin reactions from mild irritation, like redness and itching, to more severe burns, especially if left on the skin for a longer duration. Since you mentioned that your skin turned red and burned a little, it’s likely that you experienced a mild chemical irritation. The redness and burning were your skin reacting to the harsh chemicals in the bleach. Your doctor’s advice to keep it clean and moisturized is spot on—doing so helps amelliorate irritation and prevent the skin from drying out, which can speed up healing.
In terms of long-term effects, most minor bleach exposures, if promptly washed off with water, don’t usually cause lasting damage like scars. However, if there’s blistering or significant depth to the burn, there is a possibility of pigmentation changes or scarring. For post-care, gently cleanse the area with soap and water, apply a gentle moisturizer or aloe vera to soothe the skin, and avoid sun exposure on the affected area or use SPF to prevent pigmentation changes. If you’re noticing persistent issues like changes in color, texture, or healing seems slow, it might be beneficial to consult a dermatologist. They can assess whether any further intervention is necessary. Also, as a preventative measure, consider wearing gloves when handling bleach or other chemicals in the future to protect your skin. If you ever experience severe symptoms like significant blisters, deep burns, or systemic symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention quickly to prevent complications.
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