Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Rat Burn Model to Study Full-Thickness Cutaneous Thermal Burn and Infection
Published on: August 23, 2022
Accident or abuse? Differential diagnosis of contact burns from radiators/heaters in children
A Amadasi1, C Schönfeld2, S Etzold3
1Gewaltschutzambulanz - Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Turmstrasse 21, 10559, Berlin, Germany. alberto.amadasi@charite.de.
Abstract:
Contact burns in children are not uncommon and are often due to accidental contact. Medico-legal assessment is of paramount importance in these contexts to identify cases of abuse. In three cases of burns caused by contact with radiators or a portable heater -two accidental and one deliberate- thorough medico-legal assessment, combined with on-site event reconstruction, enabled accurate diagnoses. Accidental burns displayed a 'pattern' compatible with the incandescent instrument but were more irregular, with different depths and in different parts of the body. In contrast, intentional burns were uniform in depth, distribution and localisation, inconsistent with accidental events. In this context, the on-site inspection and direct evaluation of the objects involved were crucial in the medico-legal assessment. These are indispensable elements for a thorough analysis and abuse recognition.
Related Concept Videos
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Decreased Body Temperature
Factors Affecting Body Temperature
Factors may include:
Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Mechanisms of Heat Transfer I
Mechanisms of Heat Transfer II

