Certain insects may feed on the skin of a deceased person, causing lesions that may be misinterpreted by the unwary examiner.
Insects involved:
(1) cockroaches - usually affect a body that is indoors, typically in the inner city
(2) ants - usually affect a body that is outdoors
Features:
(1) The insects eat the epidermis, making irregular erosions that are well-circumscribed.
(2) The insects prefer moist, intertriginous areas.
(3) A lesion may be isolated or several may occur in a row.
(4) Incision of the lesion does not show any subcutaneous hemorrhage.
(5) Dependent lesions may seep blood or serous fluid. Nondependent lesions may be dry and colored orange or yellow.
Misinterpretations:
(1) sexual assault
(2) scratches
(3) child abuse
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
