Which type of chemical burn often has a delayed burning sensation after contact and may burn deeper than acids?

• A. Acids
• B. Neutralizers
• C. Alkalis
• D. Oxidizers

Answer: (C)

Alkali burns tend to penetrate more deeply and can produce a delayed burning sensation because they cause liquefactive necrosis and saponify fats in tissues. This lets the chemical spread through layers of tissue, so the damage may progress after contact and reach deeper structures. Acids, by contrast, cause coagulation necrosis and often form an eschar at the surface, leading to more immediate, surface-level pain. Oxidizers can injure tissue as well, but the pattern described—delayed, deeper burn after contact—is most characteristic of alkalis. Neutralizers aren’t a burn type themselves; they’re substances used to balance pH and aren’t the classic cause of this delayed deep injury.