title: Dermatitis artefacta in a patient with paranoid syndrome.
abstract: It is well recognized that psychosomatic factors play an important role in many skin diseases. Dermatitis artefacta coexists with quite an extensive number of psychopathologic conditions. In women, it is regarded as a ''cry for help'', especially when the patient is faced with psychosocial stressors. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman with long lasting self-inflicted excoriations and ulcerations of the skin located within easy reach of her hands. We discuss the reasons for such behavior and the possibilities of dermatological and general interventions.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zalewska
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kondras
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Narbutt
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sysa-Jedrzejowska
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005162:Factitious Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010260:Paranoid Personality Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000209:etiology*; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology