What complicates a white phosphorus burn to the skin?

The complexity of a white phosphorus burn primarily arises from the fact that the particles ignite upon contact with air. This ignition can lead to continuous burning, making it difficult to extinguish and treat effectively. White phosphorus is not just a burn agent; it has unique chemical properties that can cause it to further react with atmospheric oxygen, complicating any immediate rescue efforts.

When white phosphorus burns, the particles begin to react with oxygen, leading to the formation of additional heat and flames that exacerbate the injury. This characteristic requires special handling during treatment since conventional methods might not suffice.

The other aspects, such as instantaneous pain, the inability to treat with water, and the potential for scarring, are certainly complications of white phosphorus burns but are not the defining features that make handling these burns particularly challenging in a medical context. The continual ignition of particles upon exposure to air is the most critical factor in complicating the situation.