Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Diagnostic clues to dermatitis artefacta.

E K Joe1, V W Li, C M Magro

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

Cutis
|May 6, 1999
PubMed
Summary

This case study describes dermatitis artefacta, a self-inflicted skin condition, in a 36-year-old man. Diagnostic clues are provided to aid clinicians in identifying this challenging condition.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Atrophic papulosis: the wedge-shaped skin necrosis overlays an active lesion.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV·2021
Same author

The differing pathophysiologies that underlie COVID-19-associated perniosis and thrombotic retiform purpura: a case series.

The British journal of dermatology·2020
Same author

Benign atrophic papulosis (Köhlmeier-Degos disease): the wedge-shaped dermal necrosis can resolve with time.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV·2017
Same author

Necrotizing eosinophilic folliculitis: a new manifestation of the atopic diathesis?

Clinical and experimental dermatology·2016
Same author

Hydrogel coated mesh decreases tissue reaction resulting from polypropylene mesh implant: implication in hernia repair.

Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery·2016
Same author

Laparoscopy shows superiority over endoscopy for early detection of malignant atrophic papulosis gastrointestinal complications: a case report and review of literature.

BMC gastroenterology·2015

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Dermatitis artefacta is a factitious disorder where skin lesions are intentionally self-inflicted.
  • It often presents a diagnostic challenge due to its varied presentations and the patient's potential denial.

Observation:

  • A 36-year-old male presented with progressive, nonhealing ulcers and swelling on his right arm.
  • Notably, the lesions on his arm spared two pre-existing tattoos.
  • The patient exhibited several classic clinical features suggestive of dermatitis artefacta.

Findings:

  • The sparing of tattoos is a significant diagnostic clue, suggesting intentional manipulation of the skin around them.
  • The presence of multiple classic features further supported the diagnosis of dermatitis artefacta.
  • Over a dozen specific diagnostic clues are detailed to assist in recognizing this condition.

Related Experiment Videos

Implications:

  • Early and accurate diagnosis of dermatitis artefacta is crucial for effective management and to prevent further self-harm.
  • Understanding these diagnostic clues can improve clinical recognition and timely referral to appropriate mental health services.
  • This case highlights the importance of a thorough dermatological and psychological evaluation in complex, nonhealing skin lesions.