Immersion burns have which features that suggest non-accidental injury?

• A. Uniform color with no demarcation
• B. Localized, irregular patterns
• C. Blisters and uniform depth
• D. Lines of demarcation and are usually non-accidental

Answer: (D)

Immersion burns create a clearly defined border between burned and unburned skin because the body part is fully submerged in hot liquid for a specific period. This produces a sharp line of demarcation where the liquid stopped, and the depth is often uniform across the submerged area, sometimes forming glove- or stocking-like patterns on the hands or feet. These features—particularly the precise boundary and uniform depth—are more compatible with submersion scenarios that raise concern for non-accidental injury. By contrast, burns from spills or splashes usually have irregular margins, splash marks, and inconsistent depth due to uneven contact with the liquid. So, lines of demarcation together with the typical non-accidental pattern best explain immersion burns.