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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
[Dermatitis artefacta presenting as photodermatosis]
M Sommerlad1, C Beier, R Kaufmann
1Zentrum der Dermatologie und Venerologie, Klinikum der J.W. Goethe-Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main. sommerlad@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Abstract:
Dermatitis artefacta is a form of a self-injury due to psychiatric disorders or internal conflicts. Delayed diagnosis often leads to unnecessary treatments. A 17-year old girl was referred with a putative photodermatosis presenting with erosions on an erythematous base on the face and forearms. The unusual rapid onset of new lesions following phototesting and in particular a reaction induced after a simulated light exposure substantiated the diagnosis of dermatitis artefacta. Faced with the diagnosed the patient admitted she had induced the lesions and was referred for psychiatric care.
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