What should be done if skin contact with ammonium hydroxide occurs?

If skin contact with ammonium hydroxide occurs, flushing the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes is crucial. Ammonium hydroxide is a caustic substance that can cause chemical burns and irritation upon contact with skin. Immediate and thorough rinsing helps to dilute the chemical and removes it from the skin, minimizing tissue damage and reducing the risk of severe adverse effects.

The emphasis on flushing with copious amounts of water for an extended period is a standard first-aid practice for chemical exposure, ensuring that all traces of the chemical are thoroughly washed away. This action significantly increases the chances of preventing any long-term harm from the exposure.

In contrast, covering the area with a bandage may trap the chemical against the skin, exacerbating the damage, while ignoring the contact could lead to a serious injury developing, even if no immediate symptoms are felt. Applying a hot compress would also be inappropriate as heat can aggravate the condition rather than alleviate it. Therefore, immediate flushing with water is the best response to mitigate the harmful effects of skin contact with ammonium hydroxide.