Letters
29 November 2024
Vol. 17 No. 2 (2025)
https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2024.10014

Dermatitis artefacta: a challenging diagnosis

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Dermatitis factitia, dermatitis artefacta, psychocutaneous disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder, emotional distress
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Authors

Giulia Ciccarese
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8363-0195
Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy.
Giorgia Salvia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5967-6692
Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical and Oncology Area, University of Pisa, Italy.
Cristian Fidanzi
cri.fidanzi@outlook.it
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9189-9204
Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical and Oncology Area, University of Pisa; Unit of Dermatology, Hospital of Carrara, Italy.
Mario Mastrolonardo
Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy.
Francesco Drago
Section of Dermatology, DISSAL, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Italy.

Dear Editor,

Dermatitis factitia (DF), also known as dermatitis artefacta, is a rare condition characterized by self-inflicted skin lesions. These lesions can be a result of compulsive habits driven by emotional distress, serving as a means of emotional release during episodes of anxiety. Alternatively, they may be deliberately induced by the patient with the intention of gaining medical attention. DF is essentially the physical manifestation of underlying psychiatric disorders, making it a particularly challenging condition within the realm of medical practice. Being a diagnosis primarily based on the exclusion of an underlying disorder often requires multiple investigations that can impose a significant economic burden. [...]

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How to Cite



Dermatitis artefacta: a challenging diagnosis. (2024). Dermatology Reports, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2024.10014
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