Joule burn (crocodile skin appearance) is specifically associated with:
- A Lightning strike injury
- B Chemical burn from a corrosive acid
- C Contact with high-voltage electrical current at the entry wound ✓
- D Immersion in boiling water
Correct answer: C. Contact with high-voltage electrical current at the entry wound
Explanation
Joule burn (electrical metalisation or crocodile skin appearance) is caused by high-voltage electrical current at the point of contact. The intense heat generated by electrical resistance causes a characteristic leathery, yellow-brown, parchment-like burn with a cracked, crocodile-skin appearance due to coagulation of tissues and metalisation. It is also known as an electrothermal burn and is pathognomonic of high-voltage electrocution.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.