A conducted energy weapon, commonly known as a Taser, temporarily subdues a person by delivering an electrical charge. While generally considered a less-lethal alternative, Taser application affects the skin. The potential for permanent scarring depends on the nature of the initial injury and the subsequent healing process. The two primary modes of use—projectile probes and direct contact—create distinct wounds with varying risks of leaving lasting marks.
The Immediate Injury: Mechanism of Skin Damage
A Taser interacts with the skin in two main ways, each producing a different type of initial injury. The first, and most effective, is the probe mode, where two small, barbed darts are fired from a distance to embed in the skin or clothing. These darts are connected by thin wires that deliver the electrical current, creating two small puncture wounds. The barb needles are usually less than 0.5 inches long, creating small, deep wounds that penetrate the outer layer of skin and into the dermis.
The second method is the drive-stun mode, which involves pressing the device’s front electrodes directly against the skin or clothing. This technique is used for pain compliance, as the electrodes are only a short distance apart. In this mode, the electrical current passes primarily through the surface layers of the skin, resulting in a localized thermal injury. This contact creates a localized superficial burn or redness, similar to a minor contact burn.
Scarring Potential: Puncture Wounds versus Electrical Marks
The risk of permanent marking differs significantly between the two types of injuries. Probe marks are small, deep puncture wounds created by the barbed darts. These wounds generally heal well, but their depth and the non-sterile nature of the darts introduce a risk of infection or localized scarring. When the probes are removed, the barbs can slightly tear the skin, contributing to the potential for a minor scar.
In contrast, drive-stun marks carry a higher risk for permanent scarring because they are a form of localized thermal injury or burn. Although the electrical current is low, the concentration of energy at the points of contact can cause localized epidermal necrosis, or tissue death in the outer layer of skin. Any injury resulting in a burn can trigger a more aggressive healing response, potentially leading to noticeable hypertrophic or keloid scarring.
Hypertrophic scars are raised, red scars that remain within the boundary of the original injury. Keloid scars are more aggressive, extending beyond the original wound site. The severity of the burn dictates the likelihood of developing these raised scars. Injuries affecting the dermis prompt the body to overproduce collagen during repair, which causes both hypertrophic and keloid scars. Genetic predisposition and skin tone also influence the risk of this over-healing response.
Minimizing Long-Term Marks
Immediate and proper wound care is necessary to promote the best possible healing and reduce the visibility of residual marks. The first step involves seeking medical attention, especially for probe wounds, to ensure proper removal of the barbs and assess the risk of infection. For both injury types, the wound must be cleaned gently with mild soap and water to prevent bacteria. Avoid using harsh substances like hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can irritate the healing tissue.
Keeping the wound moist is an effective strategy to minimize scarring, as wounds that dry out and scab tend to heal slower and result in more prominent marks. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a similar ointment and keeping the area covered with a sterile bandage helps maintain a moist environment. Once the wound has closed, sun protection is necessary, as ultraviolet light can cause discoloration that makes the scar more noticeable.
Should a scar develop in a raised, thickened manner, specific dermatological interventions can manage collagen production. Topical treatments, such as silicone sheets or gels, can be applied during the early stages of scar formation to help flatten and soften the tissue. For more severe hypertrophic or keloid scars, a dermatologist may recommend professional treatments like steroid injections to reduce inflammation and collagen overgrowth. The location of the injury, like areas over joints or on the chest, and individual genetic factors also influence the ultimate severity of the scar.