What to do about welding burns?

Question

Getting burns on face, neck and chest. Don't mind getting burned, it's gona happen. Just seems like these burns are taking a very long time to heal. Why is that and what can I do to speed healing?

Answer 1

They take so long because it is a deeper burn that usual and because the slag is so hot. Get some anti-inflammatory cream from the store and put a little of that on. They are still gonna take a bit to heal tho.  

Answer 2

Like all burns wash , disinfect and put a quality antibiotic on it . Leave it exposed to air to aid drying as soon as possible. Good luck and stay out of the welding fallout.

Answer 3

There are two types of burns that can occur during welding-

- Hot Metal: Cool with COOL, not COLD, running water for 15min, pat dry. Dry sterile dressings with antibiotic cream on open wounds. Do NOT pop blisters. If extensive, signs of infection, or metal stays embedded see a doctor or go to the ED as needed.

- Ultraviolet Radiation: Aloe Vera cream on affected non-blistered areas. Ibuprofen or other anti-inflamatory as needed for pain. Avoid sunlight exposure. If you haven't burned by the END of the day, but know from experience that you will have a burn later- take 325mg of Aspirin (check with your doctor first) as it will help to reduce the severity of the burn. Do NOT take it BEFORE UV exposure (this includes prolonged sunshine) as this will WORSEN the resultant burn.

You said-

"Don't mind getting burned, it's gona happen."

This is not true, you should be worried as your burns are likely from UV radiation and will increase your risk of developing premature wrinkles & skin cancer exponentially. Their slow healing is likely a result of reexposure to UV radiation during subsequent welding periods or prolonged sun exposure- a burn is not going to heal if you keep exposing it to the thing that caused it in the first place. Also both types of burns are readily preventable-

- Use quality sunscreen on ALL exposed skin

- Wear a FULL face mask

- Wear a quality leather welders coat (long sleeve)

- Cover your neck with an opaque wrap

Also you should-

- Avoid wearing synthetic clothing that may burn

- Use adequate ventilation to reduce hazzardous fumes

- Shield others from exposure by removing them or using a welding screen (Example: http://www.weldingscreen.com/ )

See also-

http://www.osha.gov/doc/outreachtraining...

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_ha...

"What are the skin hazards associated with welding and radiation?

Welding arcs and flames emit intense visible, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation.

UV radiation in a welding arc will burn unprotected skin just like UV radiation in sunlight. This is true for direct exposure to UV radiation as well as radiation that is reflected from metal surfaces, walls, and ceilings. Surface finishes and certain paint colours can reduce the amount of UV radiation that is reflected.

Long-term exposure to UV radiation can cause skin cancer."

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_ha...

"What measures can you use for skin protection from welding radiation?

Wear tightly woven work-weight fabrics to keep UV radiation from reaching your skin.

Button up your shirt to protect the skin on the throat and neck.

Wear long sleeves and pant legs.

Cover your head with a fabric cap to protect the scalp from UV radiation.

Protect the back of your head by using a hood.

Protect your face from UV radiation by wearing a tight-fitting, opaque welder's helmet.

Make sure that all fabric garments are resistant to spark, heat and flame. Keep the fabrics clean and free of combustible materials that could be ignited by a spark. "

http://www.ohsonline.com/articles/46296/

http://www.safety-council.org/info/OSH/w...

- David

Answer 4

Treat welding burns similar to sun burns.  Apply aloe vera (straight from the plant, if you can).  If you can't access a plant, buy some from your local pharmacy.  Buy the pure version (bit more expensive) as the other ones contain alcohol which can make skin conditions worse and dry out already dry burned skin.  Keep the aloe vera in the fridge and it will be more soothing on your skin. =)