What factors determine the severity of an electrical burn?

The severity of an electrical burn is primarily determined by the duration and type of current involved. When assessing electrical burns, it's crucial to consider the path the electrical current takes through the body, the duration of exposure, and whether the current is alternating or direct.

Alternating current can cause more significant damage because it can lead to prolonged muscle contractions, increasing the time the current passes through the body. The duration of exposure to the electrical source directly correlates to the extent of tissue damage. Longer exposure can lead to deeper tissue injuries, as the current generates heat that can harm internal structures, not just the skin.

Other factors, such as the patient's age, health, location of the burn, and the amount of skin affected, can influence the overall impact and recovery process, but they do not directly determine the severity of the electrical injury in the same way that current flow and duration do. These secondary factors may affect healing and complications but are not the primary determinants of the initial severity of the burn itself.