Demographic study of patients referred from Tehran Province Forensic Medicine Department to Razi Hospital in September 2018-March 2019

Background and Aim: Skin injuries with various causes may lead to legal action. Complaints are referred to specialized authorities such as Razi Hospital, before specialized forensic medicine commission comment. The present study surveyed demography of patients' complaints and initial diagnosis at the time of referral over a period of 6 months.   Methods: In this retrospective study, patients referred for initial visit, from Forensic Medicine Office in the September 2018-March 2019, were examined. The patients' complaints at the time of referral and the clinical diagnosis made at the initial examination were recorded.    Results: A total of 220 patients including 176 women (80%) and 44 men (20%) with a mean age of 34.8 years were included. 42 different complaints were documented, including traumatic hair loss with 91 cases (41.4%) - the most common - followed by complications of laser hair removal with 32 cases (14.6%) and filler injections with 16 cases (7.3%). Scarring from trauma, reaction to chemicals during work or accidental contact, rare injuries from various treatments, and even cases of pediculosis (contamination of the accommodation) or zoster (complaint about care in the treatment center), etc. were observed.   Conclusion: Traumatic hair loss (mainly due to fight) was the most common complaint. Knowing other cases may expand physicians' awareness regarding the wide range of complaints that can be raised and improve the process of some treatment measures.