Aesthetic skin branding: a novel form of body art with adverse clinical sequela.
Branding is a form of body art wherein third-degree burns are inflicted on the skin to produce permanent scars. This method of scarification is a common practice among many indigenous cultures and has become exceedingly common in western societies. As with other forms of body art, branding is not a manifestation of a psychiatric disorder but, rather, a method of self-expression. The process can be performed through the use of electrocautery, laser, chemicals, freezing, and hot metal. Complications arising from the procedure include acute infection, transmission of blood-borne pathogens, allergic reactions, and sequelae arising from third-degree burns. In addition, skin branding has been shown to be associated with substance abuse and high-risk behaviors among adolescents. The purpose of this article is to present the following case report and review to familiarize clinicians with this dangerous method of body art.
From the Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery Institute, University of California, Irvine, Orange 92868, USA.
Raffy
R
Karamanoukian
Chidi
C
Ukatu
Edward
E
Lee
Josh
J
Hyman
Michael
M
Sundine
Mark
M
Kobayashi
Gregory R D
GR
Evans
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001458:Bandages; D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000209:etiology*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004954:Esthetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine