A Brief Review of Dermatitis Artefacta and Management Strategies for Physicians

Swathi Shivakumar, MD; Mohammad Jafferany, MD; Sushruth Vinaya Kumar, MD; Sneha Sood, MBBS, DDVL

Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2021;23(4):20nr02858

ABSTRACT

Dermatitis artefacta, an enigmatic entity with often bizarre and widely variable presentations, can be a challenge to diagnose and treat. Although it is classified as a primary psychiatric disorder, patients are often oblivious that the lesions are self-inflicted and thus consult a physician. Therefore, it becomes imperative to be aware of this condition and to build a good rapport with patients so as to counsel them on the need to seek care for their underlying psychiatric stressors. This narrative review focuses on reaching a proper diagnosis, addressing associated psychological morbidity, and formulating treatment approaches.

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