Electrical burns
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Local action of the electric current forms an electric burn in the form of "current marks" - input and output, in accordance with the loop of its passage: longitudinal (central), oblique, upper and lower transverse.
The severity of an electric burn has 4 degrees:
- I. Defeat the epidermis of the skin. There is an electric burn under the influence of a current of small force in the form of three forms:
- when touching - local in the area of contact to the electrode, the output label, as a rule, does not form;
- in the absence of touching the electrodes (voltaic arc), the electric burn is manifested as a thermal burn;
- when exposure to atmospheric electricity on the skin, light pink or red "tree" bands appear.
- II. Lesion of the skin to the basal layer. The inlet hole is manifested by the formation of blisters filled with serous or serous-hemorrhagic contents, which are quickly opened. The deserosized surface is sharply painful, it heals with a primary tension. The output label, as a rule, corresponds to the I degree, in the form of a painful, swollen red spot (rarely with a bluish tinge), but may be absent.
- III. The defeat of the entire thickness of the skin. The input label primarily looks like an electric burn of II degree. But after the opening of the blisters opens the deserosized surface with the subsequent formation of a dark scab. He is distinguished by painlessness. The output label can be of different degrees, but its presence is mandatory.
- IV. The defeat of the entire thickness of the skin, muscles, tendons, bones. The input label can also initially appear as an electric burn of grade II, but painless. After 5-7 days, deep necrosis, demarcation is formed and clear signs of charring appear (less often, moist gangrene is formed). The output label is also, as a rule; corresponds to the IV degree.
Due to persistent angiospasm, microcirculation and innervation disorders, healing is slow. The rejection of the scab is prolonged, the granulations are sluggish, the regeneration process is weak, prolonged. The healing usually occurs with the formation of a rough deforming scar. Often changes are formed in the nerve trunks, which subsequently determine the development of causalgia.
[Where does it hurt?
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Who to contact?