California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlHard
During acrylic nail enhancement application, a client's skin around the nail turns white and begins to sting immediately after contact with the acid-based nail primer. What is the correct immediate first aid response?
- AApply a thick layer of cuticle oil to soothe the area
- BWait a few minutes to see if the irritation resolves on its own
- CWipe the area with acetone to neutralize the primer
- DImmediately flush the affected skin with cool running water
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Immediately flush the affected skin with cool running water
Acid-based nail primers are corrosive and can chemically burn the skin. The correct first aid is to immediately flush the area with cool running water to dilute and remove the chemical, minimizing tissue damage.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect — oil traps the chemical against skin instead of removing it.
- B. Incorrect — delaying treatment allows the corrosive chemical to cause deeper tissue damage.
- C. Incorrect — acetone is itself a chemical solvent and would further irritate the burn.
Nail Primer Chemical Burn First Aid
Acid-based nail primers are corrosive to skin; any accidental contact should be treated immediately by flushing with cool running water.
- Whitening and stinging indicate a chemical burn in progress
- Immediate flushing dilutes and removes the corrosive agent
- Never apply oils, acetone, or other chemicals to a chemical burn
- Seek medical attention if pain or damage persists after flushing
Memory trick: Acid burn on skin? Flush, flush, flush with water fast.