Electricity powers many appliances. It can also pass through the human body and can rapidly cause burn injuries. Electrical burns, like most other kinds of burns, can be treated in several different ways depending on the severity of the injury. Before an electrical burn can be treated it is necessary to make sure that the burn victim is no longer in contact with an electrical current. Then, rapid treatment will help the burn heal quickly and effectively.
Step 1
Check the stability of the patient. Electrical burns can cause massive tissue damage from just a small burn, particularly if the electrical shock comes from a high voltage source. Thus, it is critical to immediately assess the patient's breathing and pulse and to administer CPR if necessary, the MayoClinic.com notes.
Step 2
Determine the severity of the burn. Burns are classified as first-, second- or third-degree burns, depending on the extent of the tissue damage. Third-degree burns are the most serious but also may be the least painful as the burn damage may include the nerve endings of the skin. Third-degree burns result in the skin looking charred or white, according to Health Care Advisor, an online information site, and require immediate medical attention; severe burns cannot be treated at home. First- and second-degree burns are often very painful and can cause the affected skin to appear red. Second-degree burns may also result in blistering of the skin.
Step 3
Cool the burned skin. This can be done by rinsing or submerging the burned part of the body in cool water. Alternately, a washcloth or rag can be soaked in cool water. Ice or ice water should not be used because it will actually further damage the affected area.
Step 4
Apply lotions or ointments that will protect the damaged tissue and soothe the pain. Antibiotic ointments and products that contain aloe vera are good choices for treating electrical burns.
Step 5
Loosely wrap a sterile gauze bandage around the burn. The bandage should be nonadhesive and will protect the damaged skin from further injury. Do not wrap the bandage too tightly, however, as the pressure can exacerbate the pain and may also make it harder for the wound to heal.
Things You'll Need
- Cool water
- Aloe vera
- Antibiotic ointment
- Gauze bandage
