Cultural practices affecting the skin of children

Abstract

Numerous cultural practices may present with skin manifestations in children. It is, therefore, important for pediatricians to be aware of such practices and their associated skin lesions for proper diagnosis and management. Various cultural practices with cutaneous findings will be covered in this article.

Traditional practices of Konya women during pregnancy, birth, the postpartumperiod, and newborn care

“…Salting involves putting salt in the baby's bath water or rubbing salt onto the sweating parts of the baby's body to prevent unpleasant sweat smells. The same folk methods for salting are also seen in China and India (45).…”

Bruising caused by traditional Chinese massage therapy (ba sha) complicating the assessment of a case of fatal child abuse

“…12 Rubbing of the torso with coins or spoons dipped in aromatic oils, water, or wine, (cą o g Io or gua-sha), may result in linear bruises or collections of petechiae known in Chinese medicine as the "sha" rash. 11 Rubbing may also be accompanied by pinching of the skin as a counter-irritant to the presenting symptoms. 13,14 Known as "ba sha" which means "to pull out fever", the latter process involves pinching of the skin between the thumb and index finger, often on the neck, chest or back.…”

“…13,14 Known as "ba sha" which means "to pull out fever", the latter process involves pinching of the skin between the thumb and index finger, often on the neck, chest or back. 11 The association of bruising with lethal injuries, particularly in infancy, however necessitates very careful evaluation of individual lesions as there is a strong association with other medically more serious lesions and homicide. 15 The present case illustrates a complex situation where a child presented with an array of skin lesions that were clearly inflicted.…”

“…10 Another issue that arises in forensic practice is the mimicking of physical abuse by certain traditional practices, as in the current case. 11 For example, cupping, or moxibustion, in Asian populations involves placing heated containers on the skin to cause a suction effect. This may result in raised, circular, reddened areas which may confuse an examiner who is not used to seeing the effects of this type of therapy.…”

From Tragedy to Triumph: Counselors' Perceptions of Interventions for Former Victims of Abuse Who Have Become Successful

“…11165.6). This has expanded the description of who can be accountable for abuse and has removed the element of intent that has brought cultural issues such as "coining" within the legal description of abuse despite centuries of Asian medical practices in lowsocioeconomic populations (Ravanfar & Dinulos, 2010). Coining is a cultural practice with the purpose to heal a sick child, whereas abuse is only intended to inflict physical pain.…”