Whether it is from faulty wiring or a lightning strike, electric shock and burn injuries can be serious and sometimes even life-threatening. With rising urbanisation and increased use of electrical appliances, the risk of such accidents is ever-present. Knowing the signs, causes and proper treatment methods for burns from electric shock can make all the difference in emergencies.

This blog discusses what electrical burns are and how to prevent or manage them.

What is electric burn?

An electric burn is an injury that occurs when electrical current passes through the body, generating heat and damaging tissues. This type of burn can damage not only the skin, but also deeper tissues like muscles, nerves and blood vessels.

Here are the types of electrical burns:

• Burns by electricity: The electricity enters and exits the body, causing internal damage.
• Flame burns: Occur when a person’s clothing is ignited by an electrical arc.
• Low-voltage burns: From household electricity (below 1000 volts).
• High-voltage electrical burns: These are severe and typically result from industrial accidents or power line contact.

The damage from high-voltage electrical burns can be extensive, sometimes leading to amputation or even death if not managed swiftly.

What are the symptoms of an electric burn?

Symptoms may not always be visible on the surface. You might see a small mark, but the internal damage could be severe.

Look out for:

• Burns that appear charred or white
• Muscle pain or contractions
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures or unconsciousness
• Cardiac arrhythmias or heart arrest
• Numbness or tingling sensations

Children are especially at risk, as their skin is thinner and they may frequently come into contact with electrical appliances.

What causes electric shocks or burns?

The injuries are typically caused by:

• Faulty electrical wiring or open sockets
• Using electrical appliances with wet hands
• Contact with power lines or faulty industrial equipment
• Lightning strikes
• Tampering with electric circuits or switches
• Not wearing proper protective equipment at designated workplaces

Many households and commercial spaces still lack proper electrical safety checks, which increases the risk of electric shock and burn incidents.

How to treat electrical burns

Here’s what to do if you or someone nearby receives an electrical injury:

Immediate steps

• Turn off the power source – Don’t touch the person unless the electricity is off.
• Call emergency services immediately.
• Do not use water to treat electrical injuries.

First-aid for an electrical burn

• Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage
• Do not apply ointments or ice
• Keep the person warm and lying flat if they are unconscious
• If conscious, reassure the person and stay calm

Hospital treatment

Electric burn management at a hospital may include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids
• Cardiac monitoring
• Pain medication
• Wound care and skin grafts for deep burns
• Physical therapy in case of muscle damage

Management of electric burn is more complex than treating common burns. It often involves long-term rehabilitation, especially when muscles, bones or nerves are affected.

Can electric shocks or burns be avoided?

Most burns from electric shock can be prevented by following these safety measures:

At home

• Use plug covers and keep wires out of children’s reach
• Don’t overload power strips
• Unplug devices when not in use
• Avoid using electrical devices near water

At work

• Use rubber-insulated gloves and other safety equipment
• Ensure regular maintenance of machinery
• Install proper earthing installations
• Undergo safety training

Fire hazards often accompany electrical accidents. That's where fire insurance becomes vital. It offers financial protection against damages caused by fire.

Similarly, property insurance is essential for safeguarding your building and contents from various risks, including fire caused by electrical malfunctions.

Are there complications of electric shocks or burns?

Yes, and some can be quite severe. Even a minor electric burn can lead to long-term issues.

Possible complications

• Cardiac arrest or heart rhythm problems
• Kidney damage due to muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
• Permanent nerve damage
• Loss of limb due to severe tissue damage
• Secondary infections
• Psychological trauma

Because of the internal nature of many of these injuries, symptoms might appear days after the incident, making timely medical evaluation critical.

Conclusion

Electric shock and burn injuries might seem uncommon, but they can happen to anyone, anywhere, from your kitchen to the site of a construction project. Knowing the symptoms of an electrical burn, what to do if you get one and the steps to prevent them are essential in protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Also, do not overlook the importance of fire insurance and property insurance. These policies often provide financial cover when electrical malfunctions result in serious damage to your property.

FAQs

• How can I know if an electric burn is serious?

If the burn involves deep tissue, is accompanied by unconsciousness or heart irregularities or is caused by high voltage, seek medical help immediately.

• Can I use water to treat an electrical burn?

Water is conductive and can actually make the injury worse. Always disconnect the power source before offering help.

• How do electric burns differ from thermal burns?

Thermal burns result from sources of heat such as fire or hot liquids. Electrical burns are caused by the flow of current through the body.

• How long is the recovery time for burns?

It varies. Minor burns may heal in weeks, while severe injuries involving nerves or muscles may take months or even years.

• Are children more at risk?

Yes, because they are more likely to put objects in sockets or use appliances unsupervised.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.