MadSci Network: Medicine |
This ferning (also called arborescent burn of lightning, feathering, and Lichtenberg figures) is a rare finding in lightening strike victims (although Lichtenberg figures can be created in all sorts of media). This is not a burn, yet the exact mechanism for causing the figures is unknown. It is almost always transient (lasting hours to days.) In some cases, they also disappear from skin in persons dying from the lightening strike! It has been hypothesized that they only occur with a positively charged lightening strike, hence their rare appearance. Under microscopic examination there are no visible changes to the cutaneous tissues. Sometimes red blood cells are found in focal areas in the fatty tissues. Overall, the exact mechanism has not been determined. It would be unlikely, given their transient nature and lack of tissue effect, that these would result in shock or lead to infection. They appear to be quite benign. Hope this answers your questions.
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