Flash burn: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Flash burn | |||
| image = [[File:342-usaf-11034_Medical_Aspects-Hiroshima.webm]] | |||
| caption = A video showing the effects of flash burns | |||
| synonyms = [[Welder's flash]], [[arc eye]] | |||
| field = [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Eye pain]], [[redness]], [[tearing]], [[photophobia]], [[blurred vision]] | |||
| complications = [[Corneal ulcer]], [[infection]] | |||
| onset = Within a few hours of exposure | |||
| duration = Usually 1-2 days | |||
| causes = [[Ultraviolet light]] exposure | |||
| risks = [[Welding]], [[tanning beds]], [[snow blindness]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Slit lamp examination]] | |||
| differential = [[Conjunctivitis]], [[foreign body in the eye]] | |||
| prevention = Use of [[protective eyewear]] | |||
| treatment = [[Lubricating eye drops]], [[antibiotic ointment]], [[pain relief]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in certain occupations | |||
}} | |||
'''Flash burn''' is a type of [[burn]] that is caused by intense, rapid exposure to heat or light. This can occur from a variety of sources, such as [[explosion]]s, [[fireworks]], or [[sunburn]]. Flash burns can be very serious, and may require immediate medical attention. | '''Flash burn''' is a type of [[burn]] that is caused by intense, rapid exposure to heat or light. This can occur from a variety of sources, such as [[explosion]]s, [[fireworks]], or [[sunburn]]. Flash burns can be very serious, and may require immediate medical attention. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Flash burns are typically caused by an intense, rapid exposure to heat or light. This can occur from a variety of sources, including: | Flash burns are typically caused by an intense, rapid exposure to heat or light. This can occur from a variety of sources, including: | ||
* [[Explosion]]s: Explosions can produce a large amount of heat and light in a very short amount of time, which can cause flash burns. | * [[Explosion]]s: Explosions can produce a large amount of heat and light in a very short amount of time, which can cause flash burns. | ||
* [[Fireworks]]: Fireworks can also produce a large amount of heat and light in a short amount of time, and can cause flash burns if they are not handled properly. | * [[Fireworks]]: Fireworks can also produce a large amount of heat and light in a short amount of time, and can cause flash burns if they are not handled properly. | ||
* [[Sunburn]]: Sunburn is a type of flash burn that is caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. | * [[Sunburn]]: Sunburn is a type of flash burn that is caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of a flash burn can vary depending on the severity of the burn, but may include: | The symptoms of a flash burn can vary depending on the severity of the burn, but may include: | ||
* [[Pain]]: This is often the first symptom of a flash burn. The pain may be severe and can last for several hours or even days. | * [[Pain]]: This is often the first symptom of a flash burn. The pain may be severe and can last for several hours or even days. | ||
* [[Redness]]: The skin may become red and swollen. | * [[Redness]]: The skin may become red and swollen. | ||
* [[Blister]]s: In severe cases, blisters may form on the skin. | * [[Blister]]s: In severe cases, blisters may form on the skin. | ||
* [[Peeling skin]]: As the burn heals, the skin may begin to peel. | * [[Peeling skin]]: As the burn heals, the skin may begin to peel. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for flash burns typically involves relieving pain, preventing infection, and promoting healing. This may include: | Treatment for flash burns typically involves relieving pain, preventing infection, and promoting healing. This may include: | ||
* [[Pain relief]]: Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to help manage pain. | * [[Pain relief]]: Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to help manage pain. | ||
* [[Cool compress]]: Applying a cool compress to the burn can help to reduce pain and swelling. | * [[Cool compress]]: Applying a cool compress to the burn can help to reduce pain and swelling. | ||
* [[Antibiotic ointment]]: This can help to prevent infection. | * [[Antibiotic ointment]]: This can help to prevent infection. | ||
* [[Bandage]]: A sterile bandage may be applied to the burn to protect it and promote healing. | * [[Bandage]]: A sterile bandage may be applied to the burn to protect it and promote healing. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of flash burns involves taking precautions when in situations where there is a risk of intense, rapid exposure to heat or light. This may include: | Prevention of flash burns involves taking precautions when in situations where there is a risk of intense, rapid exposure to heat or light. This may include: | ||
* Wearing protective clothing and eyewear when handling fireworks or in situations where there is a risk of explosion. | * Wearing protective clothing and eyewear when handling fireworks or in situations where there is a risk of explosion. | ||
* Applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing when in the sun to prevent sunburn. | * Applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing when in the sun to prevent sunburn. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Burn]] | * [[Burn]] | ||
| Line 35: | Line 46: | ||
* [[Fireworks]] | * [[Fireworks]] | ||
* [[Sunburn]] | * [[Sunburn]] | ||
[[Category:Burns]] | [[Category:Burns]] | ||
[[Category:Injuries]] | [[Category:Injuries]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:23, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Flash burn | |
|---|---|
| File:342-usaf-11034 Medical Aspects-Hiroshima.webm | |
| Synonyms | Welder's flash, arc eye |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Eye pain, redness, tearing, photophobia, blurred vision |
| Complications | Corneal ulcer, infection |
| Onset | Within a few hours of exposure |
| Duration | Usually 1-2 days |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Ultraviolet light exposure |
| Risks | Welding, tanning beds, snow blindness |
| Diagnosis | Slit lamp examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Conjunctivitis, foreign body in the eye |
| Prevention | Use of protective eyewear |
| Treatment | Lubricating eye drops, antibiotic ointment, pain relief |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in certain occupations |
| Deaths | N/A |
Flash burn is a type of burn that is caused by intense, rapid exposure to heat or light. This can occur from a variety of sources, such as explosions, fireworks, or sunburn. Flash burns can be very serious, and may require immediate medical attention.
Causes[edit]
Flash burns are typically caused by an intense, rapid exposure to heat or light. This can occur from a variety of sources, including:
- Explosions: Explosions can produce a large amount of heat and light in a very short amount of time, which can cause flash burns.
- Fireworks: Fireworks can also produce a large amount of heat and light in a short amount of time, and can cause flash burns if they are not handled properly.
- Sunburn: Sunburn is a type of flash burn that is caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of a flash burn can vary depending on the severity of the burn, but may include:
- Pain: This is often the first symptom of a flash burn. The pain may be severe and can last for several hours or even days.
- Redness: The skin may become red and swollen.
- Blisters: In severe cases, blisters may form on the skin.
- Peeling skin: As the burn heals, the skin may begin to peel.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for flash burns typically involves relieving pain, preventing infection, and promoting healing. This may include:
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to help manage pain.
- Cool compress: Applying a cool compress to the burn can help to reduce pain and swelling.
- Antibiotic ointment: This can help to prevent infection.
- Bandage: A sterile bandage may be applied to the burn to protect it and promote healing.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of flash burns involves taking precautions when in situations where there is a risk of intense, rapid exposure to heat or light. This may include:
- Wearing protective clothing and eyewear when handling fireworks or in situations where there is a risk of explosion.
- Applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing when in the sun to prevent sunburn.


