Skin manifestations of child abuse

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2010 Jul-Aug;76(4):317-26. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.66572.

Abstract

Child abuse is a major public health problem all over the world. There are four major types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. The most common manifestations of child abuse are cutaneous and their recognition; and differential diagnosis is of great importance. Clinicians, especially dermatologists, should be alert about the skin lesions of child abuse. In the diagnosis and management of child abuse, a multidisciplinary approach with ethical and legal procedures is necessary. In this manuscript, cutaneous manifestations of physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect are reviewed and discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Burns / diagnosis*
  • Burns / etiology
  • Child
  • Child Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Skin / injuries*
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology