Which type of burn is caused by electrical current passing through and exiting the body?

Which type of burn is caused by electrical current passing through and exiting the body?

• A. Electrical
• B. Thermal
• C. Chemical
• D. Sunburn

Answer: (A)

Electrical burns occur when electric current travels through the body, entering at one point and exiting at another. The energy is converted to heat as it passes through tissues, which can cause deep internal damage even if the skin looks only mildly burned. You may see entry and exit wounds that reflect the path of the current. This differs from a thermal burn (direct heat contact), a chemical burn (caustic exposure), or a sunburn (UV damage). So, the burn described is electrical. In practice, de-energize the source and seek medical evaluation, since internal injury can be more serious than it appears on the surface.

Electrical burns occur when electric current travels through the body, entering at one point and exiting at another. The energy is converted to heat as it passes through tissues, which can cause deep internal damage even if the skin looks only mildly burned. You may see entry and exit wounds that reflect the path of the current. This differs from a thermal burn (direct heat contact), a chemical burn (caustic exposure), or a sunburn (UV damage). So, the burn described is electrical. In practice, de-energize the source and seek medical evaluation, since internal injury can be more serious than it appears on the surface.