Pseudopsychodermatologic Disease

Abstract

Just as psychodermatologic disorders can mimic real dermatologic conditions, real dermatologic or other bona fide physical problems such as neurologic disorders can also mimic psychodermatologic disorders. This article illustrates several cases of pseudopsychodermatologic disorders. When faced with a difficult patient or baffling case, sometimes there is a tendency to "jump to conclusions" with regard to the psychogenic origins of the case. It is important to be cognizant of the possibility that one may be missing a real organic disorder if one does not keep an open mind with regard to diagnosis of the patient's skin condition.

Psychodermatology

“…Localized bullous pemphigoid lesions, for example, have been mistaken for dermatitis artefacta; multiple sclerosis, folliculitis, hypothyroidism, and vitamin B12 deficiency have been initially diagnosed as delusions of parasitosis. 152…”