Korean J Dermatol.  2011 Feb;49(2):179-183.

Munchausen's Syndrome Presenting as Dermatitis Artefacta

• Kim JW

Abstract

Dermatitis artefacta is defined as self-inflicted skin lesions that the patient denies having caused. Munchausen's syndrome (MS) is characterized by pathological lying, the intentional production of physical symptoms, and a restless wandering from hospital to hospital to obtain hospitalization or extensive interventions. MS, presenting as dermatitis artefacta, should be cautiously differentiated from classic dermatitis artefacta by psychoanalytic approaches. In pediatric groups, MS is extremely rare. Thus, a pediatric case of MS should be differentiated from child abuse by caregivers. Herein, we describe an unusual case of MS in a 10-year-old boy, who presented with multifocal facial ulcerations. In addition, a case of MS in a 40 year-old man will be described.

Keyword

Dermatitis artefacta; Munchausen's syndrome

MeSH Terms

Caregivers
Child
Child Abuse
Deception
Dermatitis
Hospitalization
Humans
Skin
Ulcer