Clinical Observation of 13 Cases of Dermatitis Artefacta / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dermatitis artefacta is a self-inflicted skin disease. Laboratory investigations, including histopathologic examination, are usually negative and do not give a clue to the correct diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: Over an eleven-year period from 1995 to 2005, 13 patients were diagnosed with dermatitis artefacta at the Asan Medical Center. We evaluated the patients' age and sex, the clinical characteristics of skin lesions, the presence of underlying psychological disease, and the clinical course. METHODS: We obtained the clinical information from record reviews of 13 patients diagnosed at the Asan Medical Center between 1995 and 2005. RESULTS: The male-female ratio was 1 to 1.6. The mean age at diagnosis was 44.7 years. There were 10 cases (76.9%) that had a history of psychological disease such as schizophrenia, depression, or avoidant personality disorder. The skin lesions were multiple in 76.9% of the patients. The clinical appearance included papules, excoriations, and ulcers. The face and extremities were the favored sites. The average number of outpatient visits was 4.3 times among the 6 outpatients. CONCLUSION: Greater awareness of dermatitis artefacta may bring about earlier correct diagnosis and treatment. The management of dermatitis artefacta needs close cooperation with a mental health professional.