Dermatologist Expert Witnesses in UK Legal Proceedings

Dermatology is the medical specialty concerned with diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatological conditions can have significant implications in both civil and criminal proceedings, particularly where questions of causation, prognosis, or standards of care arise. Dermatologist expert witnesses provide independent, impartial opinions to the court in accordance with CPR Part 35, FPR Part 25, and CrimPR Part 19.

Adult vs Paediatric Dermatology

While both fields address disorders of the skin, a paediatric dermatologist has specialist training in conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents, whose skin differs significantly from that of adults. Children’s skin is thinner, has a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, and demonstrates different immune and vascular responses. Disorders such as atopic eczema, genetic skin syndromes, vascular birthmarks, and paediatric psoriasis are encountered far more frequently in children. By contrast, adult dermatologists are more often instructed in cases concerning occupational dermatitis, chronic skin cancers, or drug-induced skin reactions. Solicitors should therefore select the correct type of dermatologist depending on the age of the claimant or patient and the nature of the dermatological problem.

Family Court

In family proceedings, dermatologists may be instructed in cases where skin findings raise concerns about child protection. For example, differentiating between accidental injuries, self-inflicted lesions, and conditions that may mimic non-accidental injury (such as Mongolian blue spots or certain blistering disorders) is crucial. Paediatric dermatologists are often instructed to clarify whether skin findings are indicative of abuse or of an underlying medical condition. Their impartial evidence can prevent wrongful allegations or support safeguarding where abuse is confirmed. They may also advise on chronic dermatological conditions relevant to parental capacity or the welfare of the child.

Civil Court

In civil litigation, dermatology experts are commonly instructed in personal injury claims. These include burns, scarring, occupational skin diseases (such as allergic contact dermatitis from workplace exposure), or cosmetic treatment complications. Dermatologists can opine on causation, prognosis, likely permanence of scarring, and need for future treatment, which are all relevant to quantifying damages. In clinical negligence claims, dermatologists advise whether a delay in diagnosis (for instance of melanoma or basal cell carcinoma) or inappropriate treatment fell below the expected standard of care. Both adult and paediatric dermatologists may be required depending on the claimant.

Criminal Court

In criminal proceedings, dermatological expertise may be sought in cases involving alleged assaults, neglect, or poisoning. Dermatologists can distinguish inflicted injuries from skin conditions with similar appearances, and may provide evidence in cases involving chemical burns, bite marks, or patterned injuries. They may also assist in cases concerning forensic identification of skin disorders, which may corroborate or contradict witness testimony. Paediatric dermatologists are particularly relevant in cases involving suspected child neglect or fabricated/induced illness (previously “Munchausen syndrome by proxy”).

Coroners’ Court

Dermatologists may contribute to inquests where skin disease is implicated in a death, for example severe drug reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or untreated infections. Their evidence assists the coroner in determining cause of death and, where relevant, whether systemic failures in care contributed.