Self-induced skin lesions in dermatology

Abstract

Self-induced skin lesions comprise lesions on skin, mucosa, and/or appendages, which are produced by the patients themselves and not being a consequence of any underlying physical or mental health disorder. These include impulse control disorders such as hesitation cuts, various compulsive behaviors such as trichotillomania, as well as body dysmorphias. These disorders are not infrequent in dermatological practice and perplex the clinician not only with their bizarre presentations but also challenging in terms of management of the “psyche” along with the “skin.” The present article aims to bring to perspective a dermatological peek and view into the self-harm domain in psychodermatology.