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Caring for tar or plastic burns
- Run cold water over the hot tar or hot plastic right away.
This helps stop the burning.
- Do not attempt to peel the tar or plastic off after it has cooled.
This may remove skin that is stuck to the tar or plastic.
- Loosen the tar or plastic with mineral oil or ointments such as Vaseline or Polysporin.
This can help remove the tar or plastic. Tar will likely peel off after a few days as the skin cells below the tar flake off normally.
- Wash and treat the burned skin after the tar or plastic is removed.
If you have any trouble removing tar or plastic from the skin, you need an evaluation by a doctor.
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