Factitious pseudoainhum of the nipple

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Case Study

Background:

• Pseudoainhum is a rare constrictive condition affecting digits or toes.
• Factitious disorders involve intentional self-harm or the production of physical symptoms.

Observation:

• A male patient presented with a cosmetically disfiguring, long-standing swelling of the nipple.
• The swelling was diagnosed as factitious mechanical pseudoainhum.

Findings:

• The patient's nipple deformity was attributed to self-induced mechanical constriction.
• This represents an unusual presentation of pseudoainhum affecting the nipple.

Implications:

• The case underscores the importance of considering occult mechanical constriction in appendage deformities.
• Awareness of factitious disorders is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of unusual presentations.