Electrical Burns |
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DESCRIPTION
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Electrical burns occur when current jumps from an electrical outlet, cord or appliance and passes through your body. The electricity can burn the skin--sometimes very deeply--and may also cause internal damage. How quickly you heal depends on the severity of the burns and injuries.
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CAUSES
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There are innumerable ways for anyone--particularly a child--to get an electrical burn. Among the leading causes are sticking a knife into a plugged-in toaster, dropping a plugged-in appliance into water, sucking or chewing on an electrical cord, and sticking something into an electrical outlet.
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SYMPTOMS
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There are three degrees of severity, each with distinctive symptoms: First-degree burns are mild and injure only the outer layer of skin. The skin becomes red, but turns white when touched. The area may also be painful to the touch. Second-degree burns are deeper, more severe, and very painful. Blisters may form on the burned area. This type of burn takes about 2 weeks to heal. Third-degree burns are the deepest and most serious kind. The skin becomes white and leathery, but it does not feel very tender when touched. There may be swelling in the burned area. Serious burns may be accompanied by headache, fever, and dizziness.
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CARE
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Always call your doctor when you get an electrical burn. If the burn is small, you may be able to take care of it at home; but if the burn is large or you received a serious shock from the electricity, you should get to the hospital right away. Do not drive yourself.
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