HomeAnswersDermatologydermatitis artefactaMy daughter is suffering from a strange allergy. Please help.

My daughter suffers a strange allergy. What is it?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Suvash Sahu

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 22, 2016
Reviewed AtJuly 3, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My daughter is 13 years old. She is suffering from strange allergy since two years. It became very bad and affects her psychologically. It started when we changed our location before two years. I have consulted three doctors and all of them said it as strange and did not show response to any medication. I even tried biopsy to find out the disease. Her doctor just advised to avoid potato chips, cream, etc. She become more frustrated and looks sad always. Please help us.

Answered by Dr. Suvash Sahu

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen your concern and examined the given pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It looks like dermatitis artefacta or striae distensae (stretch marks). Dermatitis artefacta is defined as the self-inflicted skin damage. Typical locations for the lesions are always on accessible sites where patient hands can reach like face, distal end of upper limb, lower limb, trunks, upper arm and scalp. Dermatitis artefacta individual may also have a personal history of psychiatric illness, including anxiety, depression and personality disorder. Such patient requires both dermatologic and psychosocial support.

The Probable causes

Anxiety, depression and personality disorder.

Investigations to be done

No specific laboratory blood tests are required to establish a diagnosis of dermatitis artefacta nor are any diagnostic imaging studies indicated.

Differential diagnosis

1. Dermatitis artefacta.

2. Factitious disorder.

3. Striae distensae.

Probable diagnosis

Dermatitis artefacta.

Treatment plan

1. General dermatologic care measures include baths and debridement (thorough cleaning). 2. I suggest you to apply emollients like Emoderm cream (White soft paraffin and liquid paraffin) twice daily along with topical antimicrobials like Fusidin cream (Fusidic acid) twice daily for five days. Consult her doctor, discuss with him or her and take the treatment with consent. 3. Consultation with a psychiatrist is recommended.

Preventive measures

She needs to be observed closely and she really requires psychological support.

Regarding follow up

Revert back after a month to a dermatologist online.---> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/dermatologist

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Suvash Sahu
Dr. Suvash Sahu

Dermatology

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