Dermatitis artefacta presenting as a basal cell carcinoma---an important clinical sign missed

Periocular dermatitis artefacta in a child

“…Dermatitis artifacta can mimic recurrent herpes simplex infections, vasculitis, and basal cell carcinoma. [1][2][3] These serious conditions need to be excluded before a diagnosis of dermatitis artifacta is made.…”

Dermatitis artefacta mimicking cutaneous vasculitis: case report and literature overview

“…In a right-handed person, the left side is usually involved, and the accessible body parts are usually more involved than inaccessible parts like the midline of the dorsum. Recurrent excoriation produces inflammation and lichenification of the skin, resulting in irritation and pruritus, which leads to further self-trauma and chronic dermatitis [1].…”

“…The atypical antipsychotic drug olanzapine appears to be effective in DA therapy [9]. Follow-up studies have shown that most DA patients improve significantly as a result of positive changes in their life situation and during maturation as a result of psychiatric treatment [1].…”

“…Dermatitis artefacta is more frequent in women (female to male ratio of 3–20 : 1), with higher involvement during adolescence and young adulthood, but it may also occur in older ages, with a broad variable onset of nine to 73 years, especially in emotionally ill patients [1–12].…”

Dermatitis artefacta

“…[ 2 ] Patients frequently have an impulsive personality disorder. [ 3 ] This disorder is seen more commonly in women (male to female ratio of at least 1:4), and has a broad and variable age of onset (9–73 years), with the highest frequency during adolescence and young adulthood. The prevalence is about 0.3% among dermatology patients.…”