[Dermatitis artefacta]

Dermatitis artefacta is a self-inflicted skin disease with a multifactorial aetiology. The condition can be a symptom of an underlying psychiatric condition or a sign of psycho-social stressors. This paper gives an updated view on dermatitis artefacta. The majority of the patients have some form of psychiatric co-morbidity including depression and anxiety. Many have experienced negative life events such as diseases or deaths. Personality disorders were reported in only two studies. Treatment options besides the acute treatment of the skin were psychotherapy and psychotropic drugs.