Forensic Medicine · Mechanical Injuries & Wounds

Electrical & Lightning Burns: Joule Burn vs Filigree Burn

3 min read · Verified by professors

Joule Burn

Definition: The burn produced at the point of contact where electric current enters or leaves the body due to conversion of electrical energy into heat.

Synonyms: electrical mark, current mark, Joule lesion, endogenous burn.

Characteristics

  • Usually present at the point of contact with the conductor.
  • Round, oval or crater-like lesion.
  • Pale, gray, yellowish or brown in colour.
  • Dry, hard and parchment-like.
  • Margins are raised; central depression may be present.
  • Usually painless because of destruction of nerve endings.
  • Often seen on hands and fingers.

Microscopic features