What is the primary difference in skin contact effects between acids and bases?

The primary difference in skin contact effects between acids and bases lies in how they interact with the skin upon contact. Acids typically cause immediate pain because they can denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes upon contact. This rapid reaction leads to the sensation of burning or stinging, immediately alerting the individual to the presence of a hazardous substance.

In contrast, bases can cause more delayed effects. They might not elicit an immediate pain response, but they can lead to deeper tissue damage over time due to their ability to saponify fats and penetrate skin layers more gradually. This can result in serious injury that may not be felt right away, leading to a false sense of safety. Thus, the critical factor distinguishing the effects is that acids provoke an immediate pain response, signaling harm more quickly than bases do.