Genital examination and its medicolegal implications

Abstract

Complaints against healthcare professionals by patients are commonplace, and the occurrence of cases involving crimes against sexual integrity (e.g., sexual abuse) is particularly noteworthy. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this issue in order to be prepared and act preventively^1,2. In the case of dermatology, clinical evaluation involves examining skin pathologies, as well as those of the mucous membranes, including the genitals. Furthermore, the evaluation of genital skin lesions is of utmost importance if a dermatologist needs to diagnose a condition such as lichen planus or lichen sclerosus^3,4. In addition, a complete physical examination, including a genital examination, is often required in certain cases, such as vitiligo or psoriasis^5,6. And the importance of the dermatologist in the evaluation of venereal or neoplastic pathologies should not be overlooked^7-9. Genital examinations present unique challenges in the hospital setting. These include the patient's implied consent upon admission and the need for medical students and residents to learn and apply the knowledge acquired during their training. However, this situation is not without its problems. Clearly, this type of examination can cause discomfort or a sense of invasion in some patients and, occasionally, lead to legal claims^10-12. These issues highlight the importance of medico-legal training in dermatology to ensure safe, ethical, and compliant professional practice.