What should be done immediately after skin exposure to pesticides?

Immediately washing the exposed skin with soap and water is the best practice after exposure to pesticides. This action helps to effectively remove the pesticide residue from the skin before it can be absorbed into the body. The sooner the area is cleaned, the lower the risk of adverse health effects, as many pesticides can be harmful if allowed to remain in contact with the skin for an extended period.

Using soap and water is critical because soap helps to emulsify and lift the chemicals from the skin, facilitating their removal. Standard bandages or topical ointments would not be effective in this situation and, in fact, might trap the pesticide against the skin, potentially causing further harm. Waiting for symptoms to appear is not advisable as it can delay necessary treatment and increase the risk of toxicity. Therefore, immediate washing is the most appropriate and effective response to mitigate potential health risks from pesticide exposure.