Part II: Skin signs of human trafficking and intervention by dermatologists

Author: Patin, Eryn; Santiago Mangual, Kathyana; Chandler, McKamie; Grant-Kels. Jane; Lederer, Laura & Shadi Kourosh, Arianne

Abstract: Human trafficking is a pervasive global health and human rights issue. The skin often bears the early and most visible signs of abuse and exploitation. Despite the visible nature of their trauma, affected patients frequently go unrecognized within health care settings due to a lack of standardized guidelines for identifying the dermatologic manifestations of trafficking. Herein, we address these challenges by equipping dermatologists and health care teams with the necessary tools to recognize, treat, and report the skin signs of human trafficking. In doing so, we hope to emphasize the importance of early identification and intervention, as well as bring awareness to critical signs, including dermatologic evidence of abuse, infectious diseases, sexually transmitted infections, substance use, and branding. In understanding this, we can bring awareness to dermatologists’ critical role in caring for this patient population and their associated cutaneous manifestations. By advancing knowledge in this area, we hope to enhance the capacity of dermatologists to support trafficked individuals.

Keywords: human trafficking, health care, skin signs, dermatology, identification