title: Diagnostic dilemma of an ulcer in a child.
abstract: Careful history-taking and examination are important in diagnosing self-inflicted injuries, which are often very difficult to diagnose and manage. We describe a case of a misdiagnosed traumatic ulcer in a 9-year-old boy which meant that he went through months of pain and discomfort, missed school, was admitted to hospital and had a series of unnecessary investigations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case highlights the importance of dental referral, careful history and examination in managing unusual oral ulceration.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester M15 6FH, UK.
authors.forename: Sondos
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Albadri
authors.forename: Iain C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Mackie
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000293:injuries*; D008047:Lip Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy