What characterizes the entrance and exit wounds in electrical injuries?

In cases of electrical injuries, the characteristics of entrance and exit wounds are closely related to how electricity flows through the body. The entrance wound is typically small because the electrical energy often enters the body at a focused point, which may not cause extensive tissue damage at the entry site. This is due to the current concentrating on a specific area, puncturing the skin without broad tissue disruption.

In contrast, the exit wound is usually larger. As the electrical current travels through the body, it encounters resistance, which can result in greater thermal and mechanical damage at the exit site where the energy is released. This phenomenon can cause significant tissue destruction, leading to a more extensive and larger exit wound. The differing sizes of the entrance and exit wounds reflect the path the electricity takes through the body, making the understanding of this concept crucial for diagnosing and managing electrical injuries effectively.