Burns and Blisters: The Dangers of Charging Your Phone with a Faulty Plug

A 7-year-old boy suffered severe burns to his hands, swelling, and scalds after pulling out his charging phone. He was hospitalized in the emergency room at Vietnam – Sweden Uong Bi Hospital, where doctors treated him for first and second degree burns, blisters, and pain. The wound was treated by cutting out the damaged skin and bandaging it, but there is still a risk of finger necrosis that requires further monitoring.

Phone charging devices typically have a voltage converter with low voltage output, which rarely causes shock. However, a faulty plug can still be dangerous if exposed. To prevent accidents, families are advised to unplug the charger from the electrical outlet when not in use and ensure that the outlet has a protective cover. Children should not play with the phone while it is charging and the charging phone should be placed out of their reach with the cord securely connected to the power source.

In case of an electrical burn, it is crucial to separate the victim from the power source immediately. If the child’s circulation stops, adults should perform external chest compressions and call for medical assistance. Initial first aid should be administered before moving the child to a medical facility, and it is essential not to apply ice or ointment to the burn – simply clean it and cover it with gauze.