Creosote is a combination of chemicals that can be found in burnt coal and certain types of wood. Anybody with a fireplace, wood-burning stove or coal-burning stove is likely to come in contact with this substance. If large amounts of creosote get on the skin, it can cause itching, redness and burning. Due to the harsh chemicals in creosote, it can cause burns even at room temperature. When caught immediately, creosote burns can be treated at home.

  • Creosote is a combination of chemicals that can be found in burnt coal and certain types of wood.
  • Due to the harsh chemicals in creosote, it can cause burns even at room temperature.

Remove all of your clothing and set them aside. Do not let your clothing touch any creosote on your body. It may be best to discard any clothing that comes in contact with the creosote.

Stand in the shower and turn on cool water. Stand under the cool running water for 20 minutes. If the creosote only came in contact with a small part of your body, however, you may be able to hold the body part under a sink faucet.

Scrub your body with soap to remove all traces of residual creosote. Rinse your skin in warm water.

Pat your skin dry with a towel.

TIP

Always wear gloves, a long shirt, trousers and safety glasses when working around creosote.