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Inflicted burn — DCH MCQ

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HardSafeguardingInflicted burnDCH

A 3-year-old boy has a sharply demarcated scald to both buttocks and posterior thighs. The story is that he splashed himself while supervised; there are no splash marks and presentation was delayed by 24 hours. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: A — Inflicted immersion burn

Symmetrical sharply demarcated burns in a protected distribution with delayed presentation suggest forced immersion. Accidental splash scalds more often have irregular margins and splash marks. The pearl is that burn pattern, developmental ability and timing of presentation must be considered together.

Reference: NICE CG89