Dermatite artefacta simulando vasculite necrotizante

Abstract

Dermatitis artefacta is a psychosomatic disease characterized by self-induced skin lesions, which patients consistently deny. It may be considered a projection of a mental disorder on the skin. Self-inflicted lesions vary widely in their morphology and distribution, and tend to occur on sites readily accessible by the patient s hands. We report a case of dermatitis artefacta that was initially misdiagnosed and clinically simulated necrotizing vasculitis.