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Self teaching module for the influence of culture and pigment on skin conditions in children

Category 5: Skin Manifestations of Cultural Practices

Photo 37: Circular Burns from Traditional Healing

Patterned circular scars around the umbilicus in this East African child were produced by traditional treatments for illness. Burns are produced by a hot stick or by dropping burning incense or herbs onto the skin. They are often seen around the umbilicus, chest, wrists and ankles. We have reports that this practice is done by tradiditonal healers in the U.S. and locally it has beendone for treatment of chronic eczema in children. The presence of the lesions usually indicate that the child was very sick at one time and western medical treatment was not available or had not been effective. It is useful for the provider to ask about how the child was ill at the time they received the treatment.

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