[Child abuse caused by thermal violence--determination and reconstruction]

Problems in the judgement of child abuse due to thermal violence are discussed by means of two examined cases. In a baby dermal lesions in the course of a bacterial infectious disease (bullous impetigo) were first misinterpreted as heat effects (cigarette, hot instrument). In the case of an infant presenting with marked imprints of a hot iron abuse was to be differentiated versus an accidental causation.

In the interpretation of possible thermal injuries in children natural preexisting disorders of the skin should be taken into consideration. In cases of doubt an appropriate clinical diagnosis or a subsequent follow-up examination, respectively, is recommended. Thus, the course of events can be observed and an unjustified incrimination of persons having custody is avoided.