@article{ref1,
title="Foot torture (falanga): ten victims with chronic plantar hyperpigmentation",
journal="American journal of medicine",
year="2020",
author="Longstreth, George F. and Grypma, Lydia and Willis, Brittney A. and Anderson, Kathi C.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Falanga is a widespread form of torture, but details of the chronic skin sequelae on physical examination are unreported.   METHODS: In an organization dedicated to the care of torture victims, we prospectively documented examination findings in 10 consecutive, black African falanga victims.   RESULTS: Ten individuals (8 men) suffered ≥ 1 episodes of falanga, most recently 9 to 29 months (9 cases) or 10 years (1 case) earlier. Examination revealed 3 to > 50 pigmented macules, most ≤ 0.5 cm in size, on both soles of all 10 victims. The degree of pigmentation and border distinctness of the lesions varied. Two cases had plantar tenderness.   CONCLUSIONS: Plantar hyperpigmentation was present in all cases 9 months to 10 years after suffering falanga. This physical sign can support victims' legal requests for political asylum, and its recognition can aid physicians who care for torture victims.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0002-9343",
doi="10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.08.016",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.08.016"
}