The Importance of Psychodermatological Approach in Diagnosis of a Factitious Disorder: A Case Report of Dermatitis Artefacta

Dermatitis artefacta is a psychocutaneous disorder which includes both psychiatric and dermatologic pathologies. It is known to be a rare and difficult condition for diagnosis and treatment mostly because of the patient's denial. It consists of self-induced skin lesions often involving a more elaborate method for damaging the skin, such as the use of a sharp instrument. We present a fifty nine-year-old psychotic male patient with unusual skin lesions which has gone undiagnosed for a long time as well as severe anemia. Diagnosis of DA was made by efforts of a psychodermatologic team work. We emphasize the diagnosis of patients with DA is challenging as many patients fail to engage effectively with their dermatologist.