Ulcerated diaper dermatitis: Child abuse mimicker

Authors

Stella A. Caldas, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Emily Murphy, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Kaiane Habeshian, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Anna Yasmine Kirkorian, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Tanya Hinds, Division of Child and Adolescent Protection, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-17-2023

Journal

Pediatric dermatology

DOI

10.1111/pde.15374

Keywords

child abuse mimicker; cow's milk; diarrhea; irritant diaper dermatitis; laxatives; non-accidental trauma; scald burn; sennoside; tomatoes

Abstract

Irritant diaper dermatitis is a common dermatologic problem among infants and young children. Severe erosive presentations, although uncommon, are diagnostically challenging and can mimic non-accidental trauma (NAT). Diagnosing inflicted injury and NAT where it does not exist can cause parental distress, yet failing to diagnose inflicted injury and NAT can result in re-injury. We describe three cases of severe erosive diaper dermatitis in pediatric patients aged 2-6 years that were initially concerning for inflicted scald burn or neglect.

APA Citation

Caldas, Stella A.; Murphy, Emily; Habeshian, Kaiane; Kirkorian, Anna Yasmine; and Hinds, Tanya, "Ulcerated diaper dermatitis: Child abuse mimicker" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 2710.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/2710

Department

Dermatology