What does more damage to skin, strong acids or strong bases?

Well … the thing is, if we consider only the effects of the acidity or the basicity, then the base is more dangerous; it will saponify flesh, annihilating cells and causing severe burns, faster than a solution that is *only* strongly acid will burn someone. read more

However, in practice, many strong acids also have other attributes that make them more dangerous than their mere acidity. Sulfuric and nitric acid are strong oxidizing agents in their most concentrated forms and because of this will do more damage than a strong base. read more

Typically, skin contact with strong bases does not cause immediate pain and thus goes unnoticed. Hydrofluoric acid contains fluoride ions that penetrate the deep tissue layers and cause bone damage. The eyes are particularly vulnerable to acids and bases. read more

Generally, acids react by protonating substances. Therefore, it follows logically that strong acids may be able to protonate molecules that protect the skin, such as keratin. This weakens the bonds between these protective substances, thus weakening the skin and making it more susceptible to damage. read more