Open AccessDermatitis artefacta presenting with localized alopecia of right eyebrow and scalp
Author(s) -
Abdulsalam Sarin,
Shijin A Ummar,
Betsy Ambooken,
Sonali R Gawai
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international journal of trichology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.494
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 0974-9241
pISSN - 0974-7753
DOI - 10.4103/0974-7753.179395
Subject(s) - eyebrow , scalp , dermatology , medicine , psychosocial , referral , scarring alopecia , surgery , psychiatry , family medicine
Dermatitis artefacta (DA) and trichotemnomania are self-inflicted dermatoses often preceded by psychosocial stressful events. A 38-year-old female presented with sudden loss of hair in the right frontal area along with discoloration and edema of skin. On examination, there was complete loss of hair involving the right frontal area and the lateral half of right eyebrow with skin over that area appearing scalded, edematous, bruised, and discolored. After a detailed medical and psychological evaluation, a clinical diagnosis of DA with trichotemnomania was made. A tactful multidisciplinary approach is essential in managing such patients as outright referral to a psychiatrist could be counterproductive.