Dermatitis Artefacta in Childhood: A Retrospective Analysis of 44 Patients, 1976-2006

Dermatitis artefacta (DA) consists of self-inflicted skin lesions that the patient denies having produced.

To conduct a single-center retrospective clinical review of children and adolescents diagnosed with DA.

From 1976 to 2006, data were collected on children diagnosed with DA who were seen in the Department of Dermatology in our hospital. Clinical and epidemiologic features are described. Forty-four children (mean age 12.9 yrs) were selected, representing 21.9% of the total patients with DA recorded (n = 201) during this period.

The most frequent clinical forms were excoriations (16 [36.4%]) and ulcers (10 [22.7%]), followed by blisters (7 [15.9%]), burns (3 [6.8%]), contact dermatitis (3 [6.8%]), hematomas (2 [4.5%]), panniculitis (1 [2.3%]), cheilitis (1 [2.3%]), and hyperpigmentation (1 [2.3%]). Sixteen were located exclusively on the face and neck, whereas 28 also had other locations (upper limbs, n = 10; lower limbs, n = 9; thorax, n = 5; abdomen, n = 4). Cutaneous lesions were treated with occlusive bandages using zinc paste or a plaster splint when necessary.

To our knowledge, this is the largest reported series of DA in childhood. This complicated psychodermatologic condition requires correct diagnosis, appropriate management, and psychiatric assessment.