1. Perianal findings in infants 18 months of age or younger
- Author
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Berenson, Abbey B., Somma-Garcia, Ana, and Barnett, Stephen
- Subjects
Infants -- Medical examination ,Anus -- Medical examination ,Girls -- Medical examination - Abstract
Infants who have been sexually assaulted may have perianal injuries, or injuries to the area surrounding the anus. Pediatricians should be familiar with the normal appearance of the perianal area so they can identify infants who have been abused. Physicians examined the perianal area of 89 female infants between one and 18 months old with no history of sexual abuse. An increase or decrease in skin pigmentation near the perianal area occurred in 10% of the infants, and redness occurred in 7%. Smooth areas next to the perianal folds occurred in 26%. This characteristic was only seen at the midline of the perianal area. Three percent had a perianal skin tag. Children who have been sexually abused may have wedge-shaped smoothed or thickened areas, swelling, skin tags, scarring and tears in the perianal area.
- Published
- 1993