Final answer:
White phosphorus burns are complicated because they ignite spontaneously in the air and can continue to burn until it is completely consumed or deprived of oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
White phosphorus burns on the skin are particularly complicated because particles ignite spontaneously upon contact with air and will burn until the absence of oxygen or the white phosphorus is completely consumed. This is due to the chemical properties of white phosphorus, which is a toxic, waxy solid that reacts violently with oxygen. White phosphorus exists as P₄ molecules arranged in a tetrahedral structure, where each atom is bonded to three other atoms. When exposed to air, it combusts to form P₂O₅, which can cause severe burns that are difficult to extinguish as it can continue to burn even under the skin.