Dermatitis artefacta – a case report

Abstract

A 42-year-old man presented with complaints of recurrent blisters over his chest and abdomen that he had been experiencing for 1 year. The blisters were painful and black and, although they were healing, scars remained. Examination revealed a few bullae filled with haemorrhagic fluid on the anterior aspect of the chest and abdomen and atrophic scars from previously healed lesions were seen. The lesions were typically found on the easily accessible areas of the chest and abdomen with normal skin over the rest of the body areas. Systemic examination findings were normal and the clinical diagnosis of dermatitis artefacta was given. These self-inflicted skin lesions are often induced by foreign objects and typically found on areas that are easily accessible by the patient's own hands. Owing to the frequent lack of honest disclosure and cooperation from the patient, this disorder is often difficult to diagnose and treat.