Dermatitis simulata as a clinical presentation for an underlying Munchausen syndrome: A case report

Ahmed,Ronak Saeed; Abbas,Yadgar N.; Siddiq,Shvan Omar; Ahmed,Sasan M.; Ahmed,Shaho F.; Hama,Jihad Ibrahim; Hamahussein,Karokh Fadhil; Mohammed,Hemin S.; Abdalla,Berun A.; Kakamad,Fahmi H.

doi:10.3892/wasj.2024.226

March-April 2024 Volume 6 Issue 2

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Case Report Open Access

Dermatitis simulata as a clinical presentation for an underlying Munchausen syndrome: A case report

Authors:
- Ronak Saeed Ahmed
- Yadgar N. Abbas
- Shvan Omar Siddiq
- Sasan M. Ahmed
- Shaho F. Ahmed
- Jihad Ibrahim Hama
- Karokh Fadhil Hamahussein
- Hemin S. Mohammed
- Berun A. Abdalla
- Fahmi H. Kakamad
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Affiliations: Department of Scientific Affairs, Smart Health Tower, Sulaimani, Kurdistan 46001, Iraq, Shahid Nabaz Dermatology Teaching Center for Treating Skin Diseases, Sulaimani Directorate of Health, Sulaimani, Kurdistan 46001, Iraq, Research Center, University of Halabja, Halabja 46018, Iraq

Copyright: © Ahmed et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].
Article Number: 11
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Published online on: January 23, 2024

https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2024.226
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Abstract

Munchausen syndrome, also known as factitious disorder imposed on self, is a psychiatric disorder involving various types of skin injuries, as the skin is a visible organ that can be easily observed. On the other hand, dermatitis simulata refers to conditions in which individuals only simulate and mimic skin diseases using external disguises without causing significant damage to the skin. The present study reports a rare case of dermatitis simulata in a young female, as a clinical presentation of Munchausen syndrome. An 18‑year‑old female patient had persistent red skin lesions around her eyes for 6 months. Despite multiple specialist visits and treatments, no improvement was observed. The lesions were determined to be caused by makeup, which was successfully cleaned with alcohol. A psychiatric evaluation revealed no extraordinary perceptual abnormalities apart from some concerns that she will lose her sight as no one could diagnose her condition. Patient education, reassurance and consistent care were crucial for successful treatment. Munchausen syndrome is a severe factitious disorder characterized by dramatic and untruthful illness stories. It is more common among females, individuals in early adulthood and in those with underlying psychiatric issues or stress. Patients often present with neurological and abdominal complaints, while dermatological manifestations are rare. Munchausen syndrome can be presented as dermatitis simulata that can be manifested by creating red skin lesions using makeup to satisfy psychological demands.

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Journals

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Oncology

Molecular Medicine Reports

Oncology Reports

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Oncology Letters

Biomedical Reports

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

World Academy of Sciences Journal

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

International Journal of Epigenetics

Medicine International

Dermatitis simulata as a clinical presentation for an underlying Munchausen syndrome: A case report

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Abstract

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