Yep, lye attacks the protein in the dead skin on the surface of your skin (stratum corneum) and weakens that protective layer. The damaged bits of skin start to flake off pretty soon after exposure to lye. It might not even burn or redden the skin at the time, but if your fingertips feel sandpapery or rough after a soaping session, that's a hint that you might want to wear gloves when cleaning up as well as when actually soaping. It doesn't take much lye to cause this kind of damage -- just a trace of lye in your soapy dishwater can do it.
