Is perianal dermatitis a sign of sexual abuse?

July 15, 2002

July 15, 2002

Joanna Thomas, Staff Grade in community child health (Leeds Community and Mental Health Trust)

Mary Rudolf, Leeds Community and Mental Health Trust

In [young children with signs of perianal dermatitis] [increased likelihood] [of sexual abuse]?

You have seen a toddler in clinic, and as a "by the way" on leaving the mother tells you that the child has a very red bottom and cries on defaecation although she is not constipated. On examination you see the classic signs of perianal dermatitis. You prescribe penicillin, and subsequent culture confirms streptococcal A infection. After clinic the staff grade doctor, who works with you and has expertise in child protection informs you that you should be considering sexual abuse as an issue. You decide to find out if there is an association between perianal dermatitis and child sexual abuse

MEDLINE

Secondary sources: nil {perianal dermatitis.mp or exp anus disease/ or exp anus/ AND sex offenses/ or sexual abuse.mp} –

26 articles found, none relevant

Nelson's textbook cites the consideration of child sexual abuse as an association with perianal dermatitis. A search of the literature does not appear to provide any primary evidencr to support this association.

No evidence has been found to support or refute the association of perianal dermatitis and sexual abuse.