Liquefaction necrosis after a chemical spill on the arm indicates which type of burn?

• A. Alkali burn
• B. Acid burn
• C. Thermal burn
• D. Radiation burn

Answer: (B)

Liquefaction necrosis is characteristic of alkaline chemical burns. Bases saponify fats and digest proteins in a way that turns tissue into a viscous liquid, allowing the chemical to penetrate more deeply and cause extensive injury. In contrast, acids tend to cause coagulative necrosis, forming an eschar that limits deeper spread. So, liquefaction after a chemical spill on the arm points to an alkali burn rather than an acid burn. Thermal burns from heat and radiation burns involve different injury patterns and are not defined by this liquefaction tendency.