What is the recommended first aid action for a minor chemical burn on the skin?

• A. Apply butter
• B. Rub with ice
• C. Cover with a bandage only
• D. Rinse with cold running water immediately

Answer: (D)

The main idea is to quickly remove the chemical and cool the skin to minimize damage. Rinsing with cold running water immediately is the best action because it rapidly washes away the chemical, stopping ongoing chemical reaction with the skin, and the cooling helps reduce pain and swelling. Avoid applying butter, which can trap the chemical against the skin and increase infection risk. Rubbing with ice can cause further tissue injury, and simply covering with a bandage doesn’t remove the chemical exposure. After rinsing, you can gently dry the area and cover with a clean dressing if needed, and seek medical attention if the burn is extensive or symptoms persist.