Reaction of bases on skin tissue. The corrosive effect that a base has on skin tissue varies with the concentration of the base. Contact of the skin with a diluted base usually only reddens the area of exposure. Thus, the corrosive action of a base is similar to that caused by exposure of the skin to a diluted acid. However, the corrosive effect that concentrated bases have on skin tissue is decidedly different, especially following prolonged exposure. Bases tend to emulsify skin at the site of contact; that is, bases cause the appearance of skin to change in consistency, resembling a thick liquid. The tissue also becomes very sticky. Continued exposure to such concentrated bases causes deep, slow-healing wounds. As in the case of exposure to concentrated acids, the damage to the skin tissue may be irreversible at the site of contact.