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[Genital artefact ulcers appearing simultaneously in a couple]
Jesús Hernández-Gil1, María Victoria Guiote, Anna Vilanova
1Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, Spain. jesu139@yahoo.es
Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas
|April 6, 2006
Summary
Genital ulcers in a couple, initially suspected to be infectious, were diagnosed as self-inflicted. This rare presentation of "folie à deux" highlights dermatitis artefacta in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Genital ulcers commonly stem from infectious, tumorous, or physical causes.
- Investigating genital lesions in couples necessitates considering sexual transmission, though it's not always the origin.
Observation:
- A case study involving a 78 and 73-year-old couple presenting with simultaneous, months-long genital ulcers.
Findings:
- Infectious and other common causes were ruled out through testing.
- The ulcers' favorable evolution and presentation suggest self-inflicted lesions, a rare manifestation of "folie à deux".
Implications:
- Dermatitis artefacta, or self-inflicted skin lesions, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained genital ulcers.
- This case underscores the importance of considering psychological factors in dermatological presentations, even in couples.