GuidelinesOther guideline
Conditions Commonly Mistaken for Sexual Abuse
The following conditions are commonly mistaken for child abuse Urethral prolapse Lichen sclerosis Vulvar ulcers Rectal prolapse Anal fissures (especially with a history of chronic constipation, or in the absence of a history of abuse) Molluscum contagiosum (not generally a sexually transmitted infection) Urinary tract infections Vaginal discharge secondary to poor hygiene, worms or allergy
The following conditions are commonly mistaken for child abuse
- Urethral prolapse
- Lichen sclerosis
- Vulvar ulcers
- Rectal prolapse
- Anal fissures (especially with a history of chronic constipation, or in the absence of a history of abuse)
- Molluscum contagiosum (not generally a sexually transmitted infection)
- Urinary tract infections
- Vaginal discharge secondary to poor hygiene, worms or allergy to soaps/other chemicals
Step by Step Guide to the Management of Child Abuse; Rainbow Clinic, RMMCH; Version: July 2023; Conditions Commonly Mistaken for Sexual Abuse