Flash burn: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{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]]
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* [[Fireworks]]
* [[Fireworks]]
* [[Sunburn]]
* [[Sunburn]]
[[Category:Burns]]
[[Category:Burns]]
[[Category:Injuries]]
[[Category:Injuries]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
{{stub}}
{{stub}}
<gallery>
File:Effects_of_atomic_heat_and_radiation_on_humans._Japan_-_NARA_-_292632.jpg|Flash burn
</gallery>

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.

See also[edit]

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