Which characteristic is true regarding alkali burns?

The characteristic of alkali burns that is true is that they tend to penetrate deeper than acid burns. This is largely due to the chemical nature of alkalis, which can cause more severe tissue damage by denaturing proteins and saponifying fats. Alkalis remain active and cause damage as they can continue to penetrate tissues that are exposed to them.

Unlike acids, which can cause immediate protein coagulation and tend to restrict their damage to more superficial layers, alkalis do not have the same binding behavior. This allows them to invade deeper tissue layers, potentially leading to more profound and extensive injury. Understanding this difference is crucial in the management of burn injuries, as deeper burns may require advanced medical intervention, including surgical procedures, to prevent complications and promote healing.