A Case of Alleged Acid Attack, Diagnosed as Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Clinical Role of Forensic Medicine

The incidence of acid attack in India is on the rise despite stringent laws. Such a case is given utmost importance by the law enforcement personnel. However, such a grave allegation must be established clinically by medical examination of the injuries before proceeding further. Here is a case of a middle aged lady who was brought to us with an alleged history of acid attack on her person. The on-duty doctors in the emergency who attended her first did not note the details of her injury and left the police in confusion. Hence, she was brought to the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. Detailed history, thorough examination and previous documents helped us to clearly diagnose it as a case of allergic contact dermatitis to hair dye. Also the victim was found to be on psychiatric treatment. This case once again points out the importance of Clinical Forensic Medicine.