Skin conditions mimicking pediatric inflicted injury

The skin is the site of most accidental trauma in childhood and the site where a number of medical conditions may manifest. An incorrect diagnosis of skin lesions, the most common manifestation of child abuse, may result in a decision to return a child to an abusive environment. Alternatively, failure to recognize mimickers of child abuse may result in delayed treatment and accusations against the child's caregivers. This chapter aims to provide information to assist with the identification of skin and medical conditions that may mimic child abuse, to differentiate abusive/inflicted injuries to the skin from medical conditions, and finally to identify cultural practices that may be confused with findings found in child abuse.