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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis

Published on: December 15, 2011

Dermatitis artefacta.

Eun Ji Kwon¹, Michael Dans, Caroline S Koblenzer

¹Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery

|January 24, 2007

Summary

Diagnosing dermatitis artefacta (DA) can be challenging. This case highlights how identifying foreign material and addressing psychiatric comorbidities led to successful treatment of DA.

Area of Science:

Dermatology
Psychiatry
Pathology

Background:

Dermatitis artefacta (DA) presents diagnostic challenges, often requiring advanced techniques beyond clinical examination.
Histopathology and microanalysis are crucial for ruling out organic conditions and confirming DA.

Observation:

A young woman presented with recurrent abscesses, a manifestation of dermatitis artefacta.
Subcutaneous foreign material was identified using histologic and microanalytic methods.

Findings:

Histologic examination revealed a foreign body giant cell reaction with polarizable material.
Energy dispersive x-ray analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry identified the material as cellulose.
Psychiatric comorbidities were diagnosed, and antidepressant treatment led to significant improvement.

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Published on: December 15, 2011

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering

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Implications:

This case underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing dermatitis artefacta.
Integrating dermatologic, dermatopathologic, and mental health expertise is vital for effective patient care.
Advanced diagnostic techniques combined with a holistic approach improve treatment outcomes for DA.