Cutaneous Manifestations of Lightning Injury: A Review of the Literature. 2023

Arthur M Samia, and Saradadevi Thanikachalam, and Harrison Dermer, and Austin J Maddy
Department of Dermatology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32606, USA; asamia@dermatology.med.ufl.edu.

Lightning is a rare but potentially devastating cause of injury and mortality. The cutaneous burns associated with lightning strikes demonstrate peculiar pathognomonic signs and patterns. In this review of the literature, we discuss the epidemiology and etiology of lightning injuries, lightning compared to other forms of high voltage electrical injury, the clinical features of lightning injuries, the most common cutaneous manifestations associated with lightning strikes, and the treatment and prevention of lightning injuries. Some of the cutaneous manifestations include feathering lesions, linear burns, punctate burns, and thermal injuries. While not considered true burns, Lichtenburg figures display a unique ferning pattern. Although lightning injuries are typically superficial, transient, and resolve relatively quickly compared to other electrical burns, the ability to recognize their cutaneous manifestations may improve emergent care and life-saving measures for these victims. Additionally, superficial surface burns secondary to lightning injury do not preclude systemic injury and significant pathology may be underlying.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012871 Skin Diseases Diseases involving the DERMIS or EPIDERMIS. Dermatoses,Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders,Dermatosis,Skin Disease
D015168 Lightning Injuries Accidental injuries caused by brief high-voltage electrical discharges during thunderstorms. Cardiopulmonary arrest, coma and other neurologic symptoms, myocardial necrosis, and dermal burns are common. Prompt treatment of the acute sequelae, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is indicated for survival. Lightning Stroke,Injuries, Lightning,Injury, Lightning,Lightning Injury,Lightning Strokes,Stroke, Lightning,Strokes, Lightning

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