Reaction of Acids on Skin Tissue

Each acid reacts with skin tissue by a unique mechanism, but the result is often independent of the acid. The corrosive effect which an acid has on skin tissue varies wit the acid's concentration. Contact with a diluted acid may only redden the area of exposure, while contact with a concentrated acid for the same duration often blisters it Such swelling of skin tissue caused by exposure to a concentrated acid is illustrate. We say that the skin is burned, since the appearance of the skin often resembles a first-, second-, or third-degree thermal burn.

An acid burn on the hands. Such damage to the skin from corrosive materials may be irreversible, leaving ugly scars after wounds have healed. To correct the physical appearance of damaged skin, reconstructive cosmetic surgery is often necessary. 

The wounds developed from exposure to acids may form scars that heal or leave no outward evidence of dermatological damage. But acids may also damage skin deeply, especially when the exposure has been prolonged. Tissue damage is al likely to be irreversible. In such incidents plastic surgery is required to correct the superficial appearance of the skin.

Bases may also act as corrosive materials, but the manner by which they corrode more narrowly limited.