Lichen sclerosus in the differential diagnosis of suspected child abuse cases

Abstract

Lichen sclerosus in young females can present as traumatic injuries on the vulva which can mimic sexual abuse. The case of an unconscious 6-year-old girl presenting in a reported inflicted drug overdose and with a clinical picture of ecchymosis and abrasions of the anogenital area is presented and discussed. The following case underscores the need for clinicians evaluating children for suspected abuse, to consider alternate conditions and causes that may not be related to sexual abuse.