Electrical burns occur when an electrical current passes through the body, an arc flash, or clothing catches fire. The body converts the electricity into heat, resulting in a thermal burn. The outward signs of an electrical burn do not accurately predict the extent of the actual injury because internal tissues or organs can be burned much more severely than the skin.

If your child gets an electric shock, take him or her to the doctor immediately because there may be internal injuries that you cannot see. The most common way for children to get an electric shock is by biting on electrical cords or inserting metal objects into uncovered sockets, which is extremely dangerous.