Citation

Bentivegna K, Grant-Kels JM, Livingston N. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jaad.2021.12.070

PMID

35339589

Abstract

Given that some cutaneous mimics of child abuse result from rare disease, they may be more prone to misdiagnosis. For possible child abuse cases in which diagnosis remains uncertain at time of initial dermatologic evaluation, it is important that dermatologists are prepared to distinguish true dermatologic conditions in cases of ambiguous skin findings. Additionally, this review will aid clinicians in recognizing the possibility of concurrent true dermatologic disease and skin findings related to abuse with the acknowledgement that they are not mutually exclusive. Proper recognition of mimics of abuse may prevent unnecessary stress and child protective service investigation.

Language: en

Keywords

child maltreatment; sexual abuse; bruising; abuse mimics; alopecia; child abuse and neglect; ethnic/cultural practices; postinflammatory hyperpigmentation