Dermatitis Artefacta of the Lip in an Adolescent

From Volume 35, Issue 5, June 2008 | Pages 339-343

Authors

MM Collard

BDS, MPhil, FDS(Paed) RCS

Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Dental Health and Development, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust

Articles by MM Collard

ML Hunter

BDS, MScD, PhD, FDS(Paed) RCS

Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Dental Health and Development, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University

Articles by ML Hunter

RJ Motley

MA, MD, FRCP

Consultant Dermatologist, Welsh Institute of Dermatology, University Hospital of Wales

Articles by RJ Motley

MAO Lewis

PhD, BDS, FDSRCPS, FRC Path

Professor of Oral Medicine, Department of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XY

Articles by MAO Lewis

Abstract

Self-inflicted trauma is found in several patient groups including those with learning and developmental delay, the very young and those suffering from psychiatric disturbance. The diagnosis of artefactual disease can only be made when all possible organic disease has been excluded by specific investigations.

The case presented is that of a 15-year-old girl complaining of persistent bleeding and crusting of her lips. Investigations provided no real information as to the cause of the allegedly spontaneous bleeding. The diagnosis of artefactual disease was finally decided upon and a referral to a child and adolescent psychiatrist made.

Article