title: Alkalis and Skin.
abstract: The aim of this editorial is to provide an overview of the chemical interactions occurring in the skin of our patients on contact with alkaline agents. Strongly basic alkali is highly aggressive and will readily hydrolyze (or cleave) key biological molecules such as lipids and proteins. This phenomenon is known as saponification in the case of lipids and liquefactive denaturation for peptides and proteins. A short section on current first-aid concepts is included. A better understanding of the basic science behind alkali burns will make us better teachers and provide an insight into the urgency needed in treating these common and dangerous chemical injuries.
authors.affiliation: From the *Adult Burn Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia, Australia; and †Medical School and ‡Department of Chemistry, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Greenwood
authors.forename: Jin Lin
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Justin Choong Tzen
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ming
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Abell
mesh_terms: D000468:Alkalies / Q000737:chemistry*; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005392:First Aid; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000468:Alkalies