Household Electrical Injuries in Children

Burns in Early Childhood: Age-Specific Causes, Risks, Management, and Implications—A Narrative Review

“…Common causes include accidental contact with household cleaning agents or unprotected electrical sources. In children under 6 years of age, electrical burns are predominantly caused by low-voltage indoor sources such as unsecured wall sockets, damaged electrical cords, or contact through the mouth or hands [ 18 , 19 ]. These injuries usually involve a small total body surface area but often affect functionally and aesthetically critical regions, including the lips, fingers, and oral commissures.…”

“…[ 18 ] Although generally localized, they may cause deep tissue damage at the contact site, leading to necrosis, scarring, and contractures. The long-term consequences are primarily functional and aesthetic, frequently requiring reconstructive treatment and multidisciplinary follow-up [ 18 , 19 ]. The extent of injury depends on factors such as contact duration, current path, and tissue resistance, with oxidative stress and membrane disruption contributing to delayed healing [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 20 , 21 ].…”

Etiology and Predisposing Factors for Electrical Current Injury in Children

“…Approximately, 20% of total electric current burn injuries occur in children [9]. Most electrical injuries that occur in children are at home, with extension leads [10].Burn injuries due to electric current remain a complex surgical challenge. Although with advances in intensive care unit, especially burn care has improved its outcome but prevention is still the best way of minimizing the prevalence and severity of electric current burn injuries [11][12][13].…”

“…Approximately, 20% of total electric current burn injuries occur in children [9]. Most electrical injuries that occur in children are at home, with extension leads [10].…”