What is the primary cause of electrical burns?

The primary cause of electrical burns is the electric current flowing through tissues. When electric current passes through the body, it can cause significant damage to internal structures, particularly depending on the path the current takes through the body. This damage can lead to burns that are often deeper and more severe than those caused by traditional heat sources, as the electrical energy converts to heat within the body, leading to tissue destruction.

In a healthcare setting, understanding the implications of electric current on human physiology is critical for preventing injuries and properly managing them if they occur. Other forms of energy, such as heat from a fire or exposure to sunlight, do not result in burns specifically attributable to electric currents, distinguishing electrical burns from these other forms of injury. Direct contact with electrical wiring may lead to an electrical injury, but it is the current flowing through the tissues that directly causes burns.