Electrical Burns In Adults

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Electrical burns are injuries that happen when an electric current (electricity) goes near or passes through your body. If you touch electric currents, parts of your body may be burned. The current may enter your body at one point and exit at another, causing damage wherever it passes. You may also get electrical burns even if the current does not go through your body. If you are near enough, electricity may jump from an electrical source to you. This creates an arc or flash with enough heat to burn your clothing or body. The current causes the most damage where the electricity enters and exits your body.
  
  
• You may get a low-voltage electrical burn from batteries or small machines. Voltage is a way to measure electricity. If you get burned by lightning or a machine with high voltage, then your burn may be worse. When you are burned, your tissue gets damaged and begins to die. Your muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, and bones may also get damaged. You may have a fast heartbeat, reddish urine, or be dizzy and confused. With treatment, you may have less pain, tissue damage, or infections caused by germs called bacteria. You may be able to return to work or your normal daily activities sooner than without treatment.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Antibiotics: This medicine may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria. This medicine may be put on your skin before your burn is bandaged. You may also get antibiotics as a pill, shot, or in your IV.
  
  
• Silver medicine: You may get medicine with silver in it to help fight infection. It may also help your burn heal faster. The silver may be placed on your skin as an ointment or may be part of your dressing.
  
  
• Heart medicine: This medicine may be given to make your heart beat stronger or more regularly. There are many different kinds of heart medicines. Talk with your caregiver to find out what your medicine is and why you are taking it.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain. Medicine may be given regularly, or may only be given if you ask caregivers for it. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease enough for you to feel better. Do not wait to ask for your pain medicine until the pain is very bad. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Ask your caregiver for help getting out of bed if you feel tired or dizzy.
  
  
• Steroid medicine: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease inflammation. Steroid medicine may help your body heal after an electrical burn injury. It may help your muscles become stronger. Your caregiver may put steroids on your skin. He may also give it to you as a pill, shot, or in your IV. This medicine can help a lot but may also have side effects. Be sure you understand why you need steroids. Do not stop taking this medicine without your caregivers OK. Stopping on your own can cause problems.
  
  
• Diuretics: This medicine is often called "water pills". Diuretics help your body get rid of extra fluid (edema) in your legs and ankles. This medicine may also help get rid of extra fluid in your lungs or around your heart. It may also decrease your blood pressure. You may urinate more often when taking diuretics.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Your caregiver will see how well you are healing and if you have any new symptoms. Your bandages many need to be changed. If you have stitches, you may need to return to have them removed. You may need more blood or urine tests. You may need more surgeries.

Care for your wound: Ask your caregiver how to care for your wound or surgery site. Do not remove your bandage unless your caregiver says it is OK.

Diet: Your body needs to heal from your burn injury. You need to eat foods high in complex carbohydrates (sugars) and proteins to help your body heal. Ask your caregiver for more information about the foods that may be good for you. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.

Stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness later. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, relaxing muscles, music, or biofeedback. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

Therapies: Other therapies may help you feel physically or emotionally better. They may help you relax during painful procedures, like dressing changes. Ask your caregiver for more information about any of the following:

• Mind-body therapies: These may include any of the following:
  
  
  • Hypnosis: This therapy helps you learn how to relax by deep concentration (focused attention). Hypnosis teaches you how to be calm and aware of your mind and body.
    
    
  • Meditation: This therapy teaches you how to focus inside yourself. The goal of meditation is to help you feel more calm and peaceful.
    
    
  • Relaxation therapy: Relaxation therapy teaches you how to calm your body and mind. The goal is to feel less physical (body) stress and have less emotional (mind) stress.
    
    
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy is a mental health treatment that is also called CBT. During CBT, your mental health caregiver will help you change some of the ways you think and act. CBT may help you feel less depressed (sad) or anxious (worried). It may also help you with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You may have PTSD if your electrical injury was very scary to you. CBT may help you feel less fear about your past and your future. CBT may help you feel better about yourself and your life. You may also learn how to manage your fears in a healthier way.
    
    
  • Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy (OT) uses work, self-care, and play activities to help you in your daily life. OT teaches special skills for bathing, dressing, cooking, eating, or driving. An occupational therapist may help you choose tools to use, and suggest ways to keep your home or workplace safe. You and your therapist will plan a therapy program that is right for you.
    
    
  • Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger. Your caregiver may want you to do exercises using weights. He may also have you do stretching exercises.
  
  

Preventing electrical burns: The following may help prevent electrical burns:

• Follow safety measures at home and at work.
  
  
  • Read and follow the manuals of machines or electronics in your home or work.
    
    
  • If you work with electricity, wear clothing that protects you from electric currents.
    
    
  • Always make sure that electric machines or equipment are running properly.
    
    
  • Disconnect electrical machines before attempting to fix them.
    
    
  • Use safety cords like circuit breakers or ground fault interrupters.
    
    
  • Unplug electric machines when not in use.
    
    
  • Place socket covers on unused plugs.
  
  
• Practice lightning safety.
  
  
  • When you hear thunder, lightning may be close by. Seek immediate shelter in a safe place such as your home or a building.
    
    
  • Avoid touching metal objects such as fences, bicycles, and motorcycles.
    
    
  • If you are in an open field, sit on your heels with both feet together and put your hands over your ears. Avoid standing next to objects taller than you.
    
    
  • Do not bathe or shower. Turn off all faucets in your home.
    
    
  • Turn off anything that uses electricity, such as computers, telephones, and radios.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have dizziness.
  
  
• You have weakness, stiffness, or muscle pain.
  
  
• You feel confused or have memory problems.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You came in contact with lightning or other electric currents.
  
  
• You have been burned.
  
  
• You have a fast heartbeat.
  
  
• You fainted (passed out).
  
  
• You have a seizure (uncontrolled shaking).
  
  
• You have problems walking or keeping your balance.
  
  
• You suddenly have trouble seeing or hearing.
  
  
• You have red or reddish black urine.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page