Background

It is important for dermatologists and other physicians in refugee-receiving countries to acquire knowledge of forensic dermatology to identify lesions from torture.

Objective

Review forensic dermatology in cases of torture.

Results

In provision of medical assessment and care to refugees and migrants, chronic skin lesions will be the most readily identifiable signs of torture. Beatings are common, with blunt force trauma resulting in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Torture burns can be thermal, chemical, or electrothermal, causing distinct lesions determined by the method, duration, and intensity of exposure, and area of skin affected. Sharp instruments inflict a wide range of lesions arising from stabbing/perforation or cuts from knives. Wound healing without medical attention and in unsanitary conditions will affect the scarring process. Lesions from suspension and ligatures may occur alongside scars from other forms of torture. Differential diagnoses include self-inflicted wounds, ethnic scarification, and scars from traditional healing practices.

Conclusion

Physicians who may encounter survivors of torture in community or specialist practice would benefit from basic training in forensic dermatology, whereas knowledge of common forms of torture and cultural practices in refugees' countries of origin is important when considering differential diagnoses of skin lesions.

中文翻译：

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评估酷刑迹象：临床法医皮肤病学综述

背景

对于难民接收国的皮肤科医生和其他医生来说，获取法医皮肤病学知识以识别酷刑造成的损伤非常重要。

客观的

在酷刑案件中审查法医皮肤病学。

结果

在向难民和移民提供医疗评估和护理时，慢性皮肤损伤将是最容易识别的酷刑迹象。殴打很常见，钝器外伤导致炎症后色素沉着过度。酷刑烧伤可以是热的、化学的或电热的，根据暴露的方法、持续时间和强度以及受影响的皮肤区域，造成不同的损伤。锋利的器械会因刺伤/穿孔或刀割伤而造成范围广泛的损伤。未经医疗护理和不卫生条件下的伤口愈合会影响疤痕形成过程。悬挂和结扎造成的损伤可能与其他形式的酷刑造成的疤痕一起出现。鉴别诊断包括自我造成的伤口、种族划痕和传统治疗方法的疤痕。

结论

可能在社区或专业实践中遇到酷刑幸存者的医生将受益于法医皮肤病学的基本培训，而在考虑皮肤损伤的鉴别诊断时，了解难民原籍国常见的酷刑形式和文化习俗非常重要。