[Dermatitis artefacta presenting as photodermatosis].
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.
Sommerlad
M
M
Zentrum der Dermatologie und Venerologie, Klinikum der J.W. Goethe-Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main. sommerlad@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Beier
C
C
Kaufmann
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology