Self-inflicted lesions in dermatology: terminology and classification--a position paper from the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry (ESDaP)

Uwe Gieler, Sylvie G Consoli, Lucía Tomás-Aragones, Dennis M Linder, Gregor B E Jemec, Francoise Poot, Jacek C Szepietowski, John de Korte, Klaus-Michael Taube, Andrey Lvov, Silla M Consoli

66 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The terminology, classification, diagnosis and treatment of self-inflicted dermatological lesions are subjects of open debate. The present study is the result of various meetings of a task force of dermatologists, psychiatrists and psychologists, all active in the field of psychoder-matology, aimed at clarifying the terminology related to these disorders. A fow chart and glossary of terms and definitions are presented to facilitate the classification and management of self-inflicted skin lesions. Several terms are critically discussed, including: malingering; factitious disorders; Münchausen's syndrome; simulation; pathomimicry; skin picking syndrome and related skin damaging disorders; compulsive and impulsive skin picking; impulse control disorders; obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders; trichotillomania; dermatitis arte-facta; factitial dermatitis; acne excoriée; and neurotic and psychogenic excoriations. Self-inflicted skin lesions are often correlated with mental disorders and/or pathological behaviours, thus it is important for dermatologists to become as familiar as possible with the psychiatric and psychological aspects underlying these lesions.

Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Dermatovenereologica
Volume93
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)4-12
Number of pages9
ISSN0001-5555
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2013

Keywords

  • Dermatology
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders
  • Self-Injurious Behavior
  • Skin
  • Skin Diseases
  • Terminology as Topic

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