Lichtenberg figures

Abstract

Lightning injuries should be kept in mind for every outdoor patient that has been found unconscious. The painless hyperemic spreading and ferning patern figure on the skin is called Lichtenberg figure (LF). LF typically appears one hour later after being struck from lightning and disappears gradually in 24-36 hours. LF is pathognomonic for lightning injury. It does not anatomically match to any vascular or neural pattern. Contrary to thermal and electrical burns, it is harmless to epidermis and deeper tissues. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, it is thought that they represent red blood cells extravasated into the superficial layers of the skin from capillaries secondary to the dielectric breakdown of the skin and subsequent massive electron shower. In the present case report, we state a case of stroke of lightning diagnosed by Lichtenberg figures.