Am J Dis Child. 1984 Aug; 138(8): 768-9.

Pseudoabusive burns in Asian refugees.

Feldman KW.

Six Southeast Asian refugee children had cigarettelike burn scars on the lower trunk and abdomen. Questioning of the families disclosed that the burns had been the result of therapeutic burning by folk medical healers for prior illnesses. Pediatric practitioners should recognize the therapeutic intent of these injuries to avoid inappropriate accusations of child abuse. They can likewise encourage families to seek less harmful alternative treatments.