Electrical Burns and Injuries

by Amy Scholten, MPH

Definition

Electrical burns and injuries happen when electric currents pass through the body. The currents can damage the skin, tissues, and major organs. The damage can range from minor to severe. Sometimes it is fatal.

Causes

Electrical burns and injuries are caused by contact with electrical currents. The currents may come from appliances, exposed wiring, or lightning strikes.

Risk Factors

Things that raise the risk are:

Having a job with exposure to electric currents
Working outdoors
Being outside during thunderstorms
Working with electric systems or appliances without proper training

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the amount of electricity and length of exposure.

Symptoms may be:

Severe muscle spasms
Numbness or tingling
Weakness or lightheadedness
Burns on the skin
Headache
Confusion
Seizures
Heart pounding or fluttering from heart arrhythmias

Electric shock can also cause the lungs and heart to stop working.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on events and symptoms. A physical exam will be done.

The doctor will look at the skin. Burns will be diagnosed based on how severe they are:

Classification of Skin Burns

The doctor will want to check for damage under the skin. Tests may include:

ECG—to check the heart
Urine or blood tests—to check for damage to muscles
CT or MRI scans—to look fortrauma to the body

Treatment

Electrical burns and injuries need care right away. Treatment will depend on how bad the injuries are.

Less severe symptoms may only need to be watched. Minor burns will be treated with ointments and dressings.

Severe shocks and injuries need emergency care. This may include:

CPR
Airway and breathing support
IV fluids—to restore balance in the body
Pain medicine
Antibiotics and ointments
Removal of dead tissue
Surgery—for deeper burns and to repair some wounds

Prevention

To reduce the risk of electrical burns and injuries:

Use child safety plugs in all outlets.
Keep electric cords out of children's reach.
Follow safety instructions when using electric appliances.
Avoid being out in lightning storms.
Follow safety instructions at work.

RESOURCES:

American Burn Association
http://ameriburn.org

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Burn Survivors Community
http://canadianburnsurvivors.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Electrical injury. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/electrical-injuries . Accessed March 3, 2021.

Electrical injuries. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed March 3, 2021.

Gentges J, Schieche C. Electrical injuries in the emergency department: an evidence-based review. Emerg Med Pract. 2018;20(11):1-20.

Preventing house fires. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed March 3. 2021.

Lightning injuries. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed March 3, 2021.

Last reviewed January 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 3/3/2021

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