Why do bases burn

Chemical burns Unknown cause. In severe chemical burns where the agent has been swallowed, inhaled or absorbed into the bloodstream, the following systemic symptoms may occur. Chemical burns involving elemental metals lithium, potassium, sodium and magnesium should not be irrigated with water as this can result in a chemical reaction that causes burns to worsen. These types of chemical burn should be soaked with mineral oil while waiting for medical attention. People with minor chemical burns do not require hospitalisation.

For more severe burns, patients should receive treatment as for a typical thermal burn patient. In some situations an antidote may be given to counteract the offending chemical agent.

For example, hydrofluoric acid burns should be promptly treated with calcium gluconate gel applied every 15 minutes, so the gel should be kept at relevant work sites. See smartphone apps to check your skin. Books about skin diseases Books about the skin Dermatology Made Easy book. DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. It is important to treat the burn correctly to avoid further complications.

Hydrofluoric acid is flushed with a large amount of water and treated with calcium gluconate. You need immediate medical care. Some acid burns are made worse if rinsed flushed with water. The most important first aid for a chemical in the eye is to immediately flush the substance out with large amounts of water to reduce the chance of serious eye damage.

For any chemical burn to the eye, see the topic Burns to the Eye. Blahd Jr. Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. British Columbia Specific Information Burns can damage your skin and other body tissues. In this short blog post we wanted to outline some basic information about the dangers of acids and bases and how they can affect humans.

Acids and bases are corrosive substances that can attack various surfaces including human tissue. The amount of tissue damage they cause depends on the strength and concentration of the acid or base and the duration of exposure. The acidity or alkalinity of a substance can be determined by its pH value.

The pH scale is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, ranging from 0 to It represents the negative logarithm of the hydrogen concentration in a solution, where a lower pH value corresponds with a higher concentration of hydrogen ions.

The pH value is an inverse of the concentration of hydrogen ions in solution, so acids have a lower pH due to the greater concentration of hydrogen atoms, and bases have a higher pH. Acids have a pH of less than 7, and bases have a pH greater than 7. How reactive an acid or base is with water determines its strength. Molecules of strong bases easily dissociate in water to donate hydroxide OH- ions.

The strongest acids and bases dissociate completely in water and have the highest degree of ionisation.

Weak acids and bases dissociate very little in water and do not give up many ions.