This article explains the different kinds of battery acids and the potential complications of contact with them. It also discusses how to treat your skin if it comes into contact with battery acid.
What Is Battery Acid?
Different types of batteries contain different types of battery acid. The common kinds are:
Alkaline household batteries: Batteries typically found in household items contain the alkaline “acid” potassium hydroxide, also known as lye. It is technically a strong base rather than an acid, but it can cause chemical burns. Sulphuric car batteries: Car batteries are usually lead batteries that contain sulphuric acid. Sulphuric acid can cause severe burns and eye damage. These burns often require immediate medical attention. Lithium-ion batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are found in items such as mobile phones and e-cigarettes. These types of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can cause injuries. They are a fire hazard if stored incorrectly, over-charged, or overheated.
Symptoms of Battery Acid on Skin
Battery acid usually causes damage just to the area of contact. The severity depends on how long the acid is in contact with the skin. It also depends on the type and strength of the acid. You may not have symptoms immediately after getting battery acid on your skin. Once symptoms happen, they can include:
Pain Itching Tingling/numbness Redness Irritation/burning Blisters Blackened skin
When to Call Poison Control
With any type of chemical burn, it’s a good idea to call Poison Control. Make sure you know the kind of battery acid when you call. Tell them where the battery acid came from and the details of the incident. Poison Control can give you information on how to treat a chemical burn.
Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath Impaired or loss of vision Dizziness, weakness, or fainting Headaches Muscle spasm or seizure Irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, or cardiac arrest
If you’re helping someone who got battery acid on their skin, make sure they don’t touch their mouth or eyes. Protect yourself from the battery acid, too.
Treating Skin After Battery Acid Contact
Treatment depends on the type of battery acid.
The situation is dangerousThe patient is severely burnedThe patient is unconsciousThe patient is having severe symptoms such as seizures, breathing difficulties, or chest pain
For less severe burns, the Poison Control Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (800) 222-1222.
Alkaline Battery Acid
Follow these steps if you or someone else has contacted alkaline battery acid:
Remove clothing and jewelry from the affected area if you can. Be very careful not to touch or spread the acid. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Gently cut away material rather than dragging it over other parts of the body. Rinse the area with clean water as soon as possible. Run water over the skin for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a gentle water flow rather than a hard spray, which could cause more damage. Make sure the water runs off and does not pool on the skin. Do not rub or wipe the area. Monitor symptoms. If there is still a burning sensation after 20-30 minutes, keep rinsing the area for another 10-15 minutes. Contact either a medical professional or the Poison Control Hotline if you haven’t already done so. The burn will need to be checked and dressed appropriately. Minor burns heal well with good ongoing burn care. Contact a doctor to ensure that the burn is cared for correctly.
Sulphuric Battery Acid
Sulphuric acid from a lead battery should not be rinsed with plain water. Plain water can make symptoms worse. Instead, make a solution of warm, soapy water. It may sting at first, but keep washing the area with the soapy solution to completely remove the acid.
Lithium-Ion Battery Explosion
Lithium-ion batteries can malfunction, causing:
Spontaneous firesIntense heatToxic gas/smoke emissions
If a lithium-ion battery causes a fire and burns, call 911 immediately.
Complications
Battery acid must be flushed from the skin immediately. This is important even if it doesn’t feel like it is causing damage. The longer the battery acid stays on the skin, the more severe the damage can be. Other complications that happen after exposure to battery acid include:
Chemical burn complications: Severe chemical burns can cause complications, such as infection, scarring, loss of fingers/toes, severe pain, and emotional issues. Internal damage: If battery acid is ingested, it can lead to serious internal damage. If you or someone you know swallows a battery, call the 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline at (800) 498-8666 right away. Irritant contact dermatitis: A very brief encounter with alkaline battery acid can cause irritant contact dermatitis. This is redness or irritation of your skin. It is usually temporary and clears up on its own. Still, it is always best to seek medical advice if you have had contact with battery acid. Eye damage: If battery acid gets in your eyes, it can cause irritation and inflammation. If exposure is severe, it can lead to problems with eyesight and potentially blindness. Respiratory problems: Fumes inhaled from battery acid can be toxic and cause difficulty breathing or damage to the lungs. Sulphuric battery acid can be particularly harmful to the lungs.
Summary
Battery acid can cause severe burns. If your skin comes into contact with battery acid, it’s important to take action right away.
Treatment depends on the type of acid. Alkaline battery acid should be rinsed with clear water. Use warm, soapy water for sulphuric battery acid. Always seek medical care or call poison control for any kind of chemical burn.
A Word From Verywell
Battery acid exposure can range from minor to severe. Most cases are mild and can be treated with first aid and follow-up care. Still, regardless of severity, it is vital to seek medical care to prevent infection and heal damaged tissues.
Take care to handle any type of battery or chemical carefully. Always read the warning labels. If your skin is exposed to battery acid, seek medical attention or call the Poison Control Hotline. Remember to avoid spreading the battery acid to other parts of the skin and avoid contact with your eyes or mouth.
