Electrical burns occur when a person is directly exposed to an electrical current. Electrical burns can result from contact with either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Although some electrical burns look minor, they can cause extensive internal damage, especially to the heart, muscles, or brain.
About 1,000 people in the United States die each year from electrical burns. This is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor.
Electrical burns result from accidental contact with exposed parts of electrical appliances or wiring, such as:
The following factor increases your chances of developing electrical burns:
Symptoms include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Like other burns, electrical burns have three degrees of severity, each with distinctive symptoms:
It may be more difficult to diagnosis damage under the skin caused by electrocution. Test may include:
Electrical burns require an immediate call to paramedics. If possible, shut off the electrical current from its source (such as unplugging a cord or turning off the circuit breaker). Often, simply turning off the appliance itself will not stop the flow of electricity.
If the current can't be turned off, use a non-conducting object, such as a wooden broom, chair, rug, or rubber doormat to push the victim away from the source of the current. Don't use a wet or metal object. If possible, stand on something dry and non-conducting, such as a mat or folded newspapers.
Do not attempt to rescue a victim near active high-voltage lines.
Once the victim is free from the source of electricity, his or her airway, breathing and pulses are checked and, if necessary, cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts are started. The victim is covered with a blanket to maintain body heat and feet are raised above the head.
Ice, butter, or ointments, should not be applied.
Any patient with an electrical burn should be taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Treatment will depend on the severity of the burn and any other associated complications.
If you are diagnosed with an electrical burn, follow your doctor's instructions.
To help reduce your chances of an electric burn, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Ag Safety Database
http://www.cdc.gov/NASD/menu/topic/electrical_safety.html
City of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services
http://www.vbgov.com
University of Virginia Health System
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Just the Berries, for Family Physicians
http://www.theberries.ns.ca
University of Northern British Columbia
http://www.unbc.ca
References:
Browne, BJ, Gaasch, WR. Electrical injuries and lightning. Emerg Med Clin North Am 1992; 10:211.
Cawley, JC, Homce, GT. Occupational electrical injuries in the United States, 1992-1998, and recommendations for safety research. J Safety Res 2003; 34:241.
Cooper, MA. Electrical and lightning injuries. Emerg Med Clin North Am 1984; 2:489
The American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=familydoctor&lic=44&article_set=21666 . Accessed October 11, 2006.
The US Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000053.htm . Accessed February 12, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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