Superficial lightning injuries—their ‘fractal’ shape and origin

doi:10.1016/0305-4179(87)90104-5

Burns

Volume 13, Issue 2, April 1987, Pages 141-146

https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-4179(87)90104-5 Get rights and content

Abstract

The origin of superficial lightning burns was studied. A recently developed mathematical model was invoked to identify fern-shaped burns as ‘so-called’ fractals. On the basis of this model and discharge experiments, we conclude that ‘fractal burns’ are caused by surface discharges of a positive polarity. The recognition of such burns can help to elucidate the type and mechanism of the lightning strike.

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Cited by (39)

Unusual Lichtenberg figures in a lightning strike's victim: Case report and literature review
2022, Legal Medicine
Citation Excerpt :
The keraunographic marks on the skin of a person struck by lightning are an example of a natural method that makes this charge visible, although its pathophysiology remains unknown. LF has a fractal pattern in which increasing magnification on the bifurcation of branches reveals new branches similar to the larger one (this property is also called self-similarity) [31]. These fractal pattern figures are generated by a positive discharge, whereas a negative discharge results in a more amorphous flower-like pattern [32,60].
Lichtenberg figures are pathognomonic markings commonly described as transient pink-red fractal pattern marks on the skin of people struck by a lightning. Their nature and the underlying physiopathology are still largely unknown. Here we describe a Lichtenberg figure in a 45-year-old woman who died due to a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. On autopsy, five days after the fatal event, she presented atypical green Lichtenberg figures on the skin of her abdomen. This appearance has not previously been described in the scientific literature, so a review of literature was done to support our observation.
Electrical injuries
2018, Total Burn Care: Fifth Edition
Electrical injuries make up about 4% of an estimated 40,000 burn admissions in the United States. These can be particularly devastating burn injuries in that on a size-for-size basis, they account for more amputations and consume considerable resources. Decision making is complicated by involvement of the cardiac conduction system, potential for urgent decompression of compartment syndrome, and a more complicated resuscitation because of the potential for rhabdomyolysis caused by deep tissue injury. In addition, more complicated surgical intervention may be required for deep tissue injury and the need for subsequent coverage. These injuries are ideally cared for by the multidisciplinary team model as practiced in modern burn centers.
Electrical Injuries
2017, Total Burn Care, Fifth Edition
Electrical injuries make up about 4% of an estimated 40,000 burn admissions in the United States. These can be particularly devastating burn injuries in that on a size-for-size basis, they account for more amputations and consume considerable resources. Decision making is complicated by involvement of the cardiac conduction system, potential for urgent decompression of compartment syndrome, and a more complicated resuscitation because of the potential for rhabdomyolysis caused by deep tissue injury. In addition, more complicated surgical intervention may be required for deep tissue injury and the need for subsequent coverage. These injuries are ideally cared for by the multidisciplinary team model as practiced in modern burn centers.
On the possible mechanism of keraunographic markings on lightning victims
2015, Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Citation Excerpt :
An example is shown in Fig. 1 (Mahajan et al., 2008). It is of interest to note that according to ten Duis et al. (1987) keraunographic markings could be modelled using ‘fractal’ theory. The exact physical process that leads to these markings on the body is not known at present (Andrews et al., 1992; Cooper et al., 2007).
During a lightning strike to a human the high electric field that exists at the point of contact of the lightning flash can generate electrical discharges known as streamer discharges along the skin. Previous research work has shown that the electric field at the head of these streamer discharges are large enough to accelerate electrons to relativistic speeds. In this paper it is shown that the streamers propagating along the skin will bombard the skin with energetic electrons. In this paper an estimation of the energy dissipated by these energetic electrons on the skin is estimated. Since beta radiation generated by radioactive substances consists of energetic electrons the effects of the energetic electrons generated by streamer discharges would be similar to the effects caused by low level beta radiation. It is suggested that the feather like marks, called keraunographical marks, that is sometimes observed on the skin of lightning victims is a result of superficial radiation injury with following inflammation in the epidermis and superficial layers of the dermis caused by energetic electrons.
Lightning and thermal injuries
2014, Handbook of Clinical Neurology
Citation Excerpt :
Large surface area skin burns are unusual unless the strike involves a nearby object becoming incandescent with a flash/flame injury. A characteristic fern-like skin pattern on the skin (Lichtenberg figure) (ten Duis et al., 1987) that appears within an hour of strike injury and fades rapidly may be present as well as on the tips of toes (Fahmy et al., 1999). Lightning strikes commonly result in cardiorespiratory arrest, for which cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is effective when begun promptly (Moran et al., 1986).
Electrical burns are classified as either high voltage (1000 volts and higher) or low voltage (< 1000 volts). The typical injury with a high-voltage electrical contact is one where subcutaneous fat, muscles, and even bones are injured. Lower voltages may have lesser injuries. The electrical current has the potential to injure via three mechanisms: injury caused by current flow, an arc injury as the current passes from source to an object, and a flame injury caused by ignition of material in the local environment. Different tissues also have different resistance to the conduction of electricity. Voltage, current (amperage), type of current (alternating or direct), path of current flow across the body, duration of contact, and individual susceptibility all determine what final injury will occur. Devitalized tissue must be evaluated and debrided. Ocular cataracts may develop over time following electrical injury. Lightning strikes may conduct millions of volts of electricity, yet the effects can range from minimal cutaneous injuries to significant injury comparable to a high-voltage industrial accident. Lightning strikes commonly result in cardiorespiratory arrest, for which CPR is effective when begun promptly. Neurologic complications from electrical and lightning injuries are highly variable and may present early or late (up to 2 years) after the injury. The prognosis for electricity-related neurologic injuries is generally better than for other types of traumatic causes, suggesting a conservative approach with serial neurologic examinations after an initial CT scan to rule out correctable causes. One of the most common complications of electrical injury is a cardiac dysrhythmia. Because of the potential for large volumes of muscle loss and the release of myoglobin, the presence of heme pigments in the urine must be evaluated promptly. Presence of these products of breakdown of myoglobin and hemoglobin puts the injured at risk for acute renal failure and must be treated. The exact mechanism of nerve injury has not been explained, but both direct injury by electrical current overload or a vascular cause receive the most attention. Because electrical injuries carry both externally visible cutaneous injuries and possible hidden musculoskeletal damage, conventional burn resuscitation formulas based on body surface area injured may not provide enough fluid to maintain urine output. Damaged muscle resulting in swelling within the investing fascia of an extremity may result in compartment syndromes, requiring further attention. If myoglobin has been detected in the urine, treatment is aggressive volume resuscitation and possibly alkalinization of the urine or mannitol is given IV push to minimize pigment precipitation in the renal tubules. Approximately 15% of electrical burn victims also sustain traumatic injuries. This is because of falls from height or being thrown against an object. The tetanic contractions that result from exposure to electrical injury cause imbalance in flexor versus extensor muscles, with the flexor groups being stronger. Not only is the victim unable to release from the electrical contact, but they are at risk for fracture of bones from this prolonged muscular contracture. Neurologic and psychological symptoms were the most common sequelae of electrical and lightning injuries. Many of these symptoms are nonspecific, and they often do not appear until several months after the injury. A full neurologic examination must be performed on admission, documenting initial presentation and at any change in symptoms. Electrical injuries can have devastating consequences. Prevention of electrical injuries is clearly the preferable strategy for treatment.
Electrical injuries
2012, Total Burn Care: Fourth Edition

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Scientific and clinical paperSuperficial lightning injuries—their ‘fractal’ shape and origin

Abstract

Burns

Cutaneous manifestations of lightning injury

Arch. Dermatol.

Parameters of lightning flashes

Elektra

The mechanism of the long spark formation

J. Physique

Death by lightning

IEEE Rev.

Discharge experiments using dummies and rabbits simulating lightning strokes on human bodies

Int. J. Biometeorol.

Scientific and clinical paper
Superficial lightning injuries—their ‘fractal’ shape and origin