Circumferential neck burns in children from mobile phone chargers and metal Necklaces: A case series

Introduction: Low-voltage electrical injuries are generally considered low risk but can cause significant thermal injury when current is concentrated through conductive materials. Circumferential neck burns from mobile phone chargers and metal necklaces are rarely reported in children. Cases presentation: Case 1: A 14-year-old male sustained a mixed partial-thickness circumferential neck burn and partial-thickness right hand burn after a spark occurred while plugging in a mobile phone charger while wearing a metal necklace. Cardiac and laboratory evaluation were normal. He was admitted overnight for wound care and pain control. The burn healed with non-operative management. Case 2: An 8-year-old male sustained a deep partial-thickness circumferential neck burn and superficial partial-thickness hand burn after plugging in an electrical cord while wearing a necklace. Initial cardiac and laboratory workup were unremarkable. He was treated with topical wound care and followed as an outpatient. The injury healed with non-operative management after an extended course of topical agents. Case 3: A 2-year-old male sustained a full-thickness circumferential neck burn after his metal necklace became entangled with a charger being plugged into an outlet. Cardiac and laboratory evaluation were normal. He was managed with topical therapy but developed hypertrophic scarring requiring surgical excision and intralesional steroid injection. Conclusion: Low-voltage mobile phone chargers can cause significant circumferential neck burns in children when current is concentrated through metal jewelry.