Dermatitis artefacta is a skin condition caused by intentional self-harm, such as scratching or picking the skin. The word is spelled as "dɝmətˈaɪtɪs ɑrˈtɛfækta" in IPA phonetic transcription, which represents how each letter and sound is pronounced. The word combines "dermatitis," meaning inflammation of the skin, with "artefacta," meaning a man-made object. The spelling may seem complex, but the phonetic transcription can help in understanding the correct pronunciation and usage of the word in medical settings.
Dermatitis artefacta is a medical condition characterized by self-inflicted skin lesions or injuries intentionally caused by an individual. These injuries are typically made in order to seek attention or to fulfill an underlying psychological need. It is considered a psychiatric disorder falling under the category of factitious disorders, where individuals purposely produce or exaggerate physical or psychological symptoms in themselves.
The term "dermatitis artefacta" is derived from Latin words. "Dermatitis" refers to inflammation of the skin, while "artefacta" signifies that the condition is self-induced. This condition is also commonly known as factitious dermatitis or factitious skin disorder.
The self-inflicted injuries in dermatitis artefacta can manifest in various forms such as scratches, burns, lacerations, or patterns made with sharp objects. These lesions often have unusual shapes, inconsistent patterns, or unusual distribution on the body. They may appear in easily accessible areas and can be symmetrical or have sharp borders. In some cases, the wounds may be intentionally infected by individuals.
Treatment for dermatitis artefacta mainly focuses on addressing the underlying psychological issues that lead to self-harm behavior. Psychiatric evaluation and therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, are often recommended to help the affected individual explore and understand the motivations behind the self-inflicted injuries.
Dermatitis artefacta is a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care and support for the affected individual.
Feigned eruptions, inflammation of the skin caused by the application of various irritants.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "dermatitis artefacta" is a medical term that comes from the combination of two words - "dermatitis" and "artefacta".
1. Dermatitis: The word "dermatitis" is derived from the Greek word "derma" meaning "skin" and the suffix "-itis" meaning "inflammation". Therefore, "dermatitis" refers to inflammation of the skin, which is a characteristic feature of this condition.
2. Artefacta: The word "artefacta" is derived from the Latin word "artefactus", which means "artificially made" or "made by art". It is commonly used in the medical field to describe a condition or an injury that is self-inflicted or intentionally caused by an individual.