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Electrical burns are injuries caused by contact with electricity. They can be mild, like first-degree burns, or severe, like third-degree burns, and they can cause damage to the skin, bones, tendons, and internal organs. The treatment for electrical burns depends on the severity of the injury and ranges from first aid and medication to surgery and skin grafts. This article will provide an overview of how to treat electrical burns on the fingers, including when to seek medical attention and what to expect in terms of recovery.
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What You'll Learn
Recognising internal injuries
Internal injuries may manifest as odd sensations, feelings, or pains, even in areas of the body that seem remote from the burn. For example, pain in the hand or foot, or any deformity, could indicate a possible broken bone resulting from the electric shock. Additionally, shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal pain may signal internal injuries.
The severity of an electrical burn depends on the voltage, the amount of electricity, and the duration of contact with the electrical source. High voltages (above 500-1000 volts) typically cause deep burns and extensive tissue and organ damage. Low-voltage exposures (less than 500 volts) usually result in less severe injuries, but they can still be dangerous, especially with prolonged exposure.
If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms after an electrical burn, seek immediate medical attention:
- Skin burn or other injury at the site of contact
- Confusion, dizziness, or headache
- Heart pounding or fluttering
- Muscle contractions or muscle pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Problems with balance
- Red or red-black urine
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Trouble staying awake
Do not delay in seeking medical help, as internal injuries from electrical burns can be life-threatening and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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First aid and emergency care
Electrical burns occur when an electric current passes through the body, causing damage to the skin and underlying tissues. The severity of electrical burns can range from mild to severe, with high-voltage burns causing deeper tissue damage and requiring more extensive medical intervention. It is important to seek immediate first aid to minimize damage and prevent complications. Here are some detailed first aid and emergency care instructions for treating electrical burns on fingers:
Assess the situation and prioritize safety:
Before providing assistance, ensure the immediate area is safe from electrical hazards. If possible, disconnect the power source by turning it off to prevent further injury. Use non-conductive materials, such as dry wooden sticks or non-metallic objects, to gently separate the person from the electrical source. Do not touch the injured person if they are still in contact with the current source, as you may also get injured.
Check for breathing and circulation:
After separating the person from the electrical source, check if they are responsive by talking to them or gently touching them. If they are not responding, initiate CPR. Monitor their breathing and pulse rate continuously until medical personnel arrives.
Treat external and internal injuries:
External injuries typically manifest as burns, blistering, redness, and swelling on the skin's surface. Rinse these burns with cool water for at least 20 minutes and apply a sterile gauze bandage. Avoid popping blisters as it may lead to infection. Internal injuries, such as damage to muscles, nerves, and internal organs, may not be immediately apparent. Carefully monitor the person for symptoms like muscle weakness, neurological deficits, or signs of internal bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention, as internal injuries require prompt medical evaluation through imaging or diagnostic tests.
Monitor for cardiac irregularities:
Electrical burns can affect the electrical activity of the heart and cause cardiac arrhythmias due to the electrical shock's impact on the heart's rhythm. Continuous monitoring of the person's heart rate and rhythm is essential to detect and manage any cardiac irregularities promptly.
Seek professional medical assistance:
Even for minor burns, it is advisable to seek the opinion of a healthcare professional. For more severe injuries, electrical burn treatment may include resuscitation, surgery, and skin grafts. Call for emergency medical services (911 in North America) or head to the nearest hospital with an emergency department.
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Antibiotics and medication
First-Degree Burns
First-degree electrical burns are mild and only damage the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. They usually heal within 7-10 days. Antibiotics are not typically required for first-degree burns, but you should still watch for signs of infection, such as a change in colour of the burnt area or the surrounding skin. If you suspect an infection, see your doctor immediately for prescription antibiotics.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree electrical burns are more severe and damage both the epidermis and the dermis, the layer of skin underneath. Symptoms include pain, redness, and blistering, and the healing process can take 1-3 weeks. It is important to keep the wound clean and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Your doctor may also prescribe medication for pain management.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree electrical burns are the most severe, extending through the epidermis and dermis to the deepest layers of tissue, and even nerves and muscles. These burns require immediate medical attention and often involve surgery and skin grafts. In addition to antibiotics and pain medication, other medications may be administered to treat specific complications of electrical burns, such as vascular thrombosis and compartment syndrome. Fluid replacement is also crucial in the initial resuscitation phase.
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Surgery and skin grafts
Electrical burns can be severe and lead to serious complications, including death. The damage may not always be apparent, as internal organs may be affected even when the entry and exit points of the current show no signs of damage. Therefore, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention.
In the case of electrical burns on the fingers, surgery and skin grafts may be necessary to repair the damage and restore function. Skin grafting is a surgical procedure where healthy skin is taken from one part of the body and transplanted to the damaged area. This procedure can help replace skin that has been damaged or lost due to the electrical burn. The transplanted skin will start to develop blood vessels and connect with the surrounding skin within a few days.
There are different types of skin grafts that can be used, depending on the extent and location of the burn. These include full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG), thin split-thickness skin grafts (STSG), and thick STSG. FTSG involves taking a layer of skin, including the epidermis and part of the dermis, from a donor site, typically the abdomen, back, chest, or inner thigh. STSG, on the other hand, uses a thinner layer of skin, and the donor site can include the back, buttocks, or thighs. Thick STSG is often used for reconstructive purposes and to cover full-thickness burn wounds.
For pediatric patients with hand burns, primary FTSG is often recommended to prevent serious hand deformities and functional impairment that can occur during childhood growth. Early excision and skin grafting have been shown to yield better results, preserving hand function and shortening hospital stays. However, it can be challenging to determine the exact depth and range of excision in pediatric patients, and graft loss is still a frequent occurrence.
In addition to skin grafts, other surgical procedures may be necessary to address the electrical burn on the fingers. These procedures could include surgical excision, fasciotomy, escharotomy, or, in severe cases, amputation. The decision to perform surgery or a skin graft depends on the severity of the burn, the extent of tissue destruction, and the patient's overall health.
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Recovery and scarring
The recovery time for electrical burns will depend on the severity of the damage and how soon the patient receives proper treatment. Electrical burns can cause temporary or permanent damage to the skin, tissues, and major organs. They can range from minimal injury to severe multiorgan involvement, with both occult and delayed complications.
First-degree electrical burns, which only damage the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), usually heal in around 7-10 days. These burns are often painless and superficial, but they can still cause internal damage that is not immediately apparent. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention for any electrical burn, even if it appears minor.
Deep second-degree burns can take four to six weeks to heal and are at increased risk of forming raised scars. Third-degree burns go through all the layers of the skin and can be deceptively painless because the skin nerves have been destroyed. These wounds require surgical skin grafting and can result in long-term scarring.
In some cases, electrical burns may require surgery to repair the damaged area. This can include surgical excision, fasciotomy, escharotomy, or, in severe cases, amputation. Initial management of the burn is important to optimize function and minimize long-term scarring. In some instances, it may be possible to retain a useful amount of skin from a damaged finger to use as a flap for repairs to the palm or adjacent finger.
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