Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyDrug Reaction DataReferences

Information for Patients

View all Images (13)

Neurotic excoriations in Child
See also in: Hair and Scalp
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Neurotic excoriations in Child

See also in: Hair and Scalp
Contributors: Haya Raef MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Neurotic excoriations is a skin condition arising from compulsive or habitual skin scratching or picking in the absence of underlying pathology. Unlike patients with dermatitis artefacta, those with neurotic excoriations will usually admit their involvement in creating the lesions. The disorder is predominantly seen in middle-aged females but can be seen in patients of almost any age. The continued scratching can lead to the itch-scratch-rash cycle, further perpetuating the condition.

Repetitive skin-picking results in few to several hundred excoriations, scars, and scabs. The lesions typically exhibit delayed healing due to recurrent scratching.

There is a strong relationship between neurotic excoriations and underlying psychiatric disease, most often obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder. Individuals who use recreational drugs, especially methamphetamines (crystal meth), are prone to neurotic excoriations. Pruritus-inducing drugs such as narcotics, especially heroin, may result in neurotic excoriations as well.

In children and adults, skin picking is associated with developmental disabilities such as Prader-Willi syndrome. Systemic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hepatitis C have also been reported to be associated with neurotic excoriations; however, the significance of this observation remains unclear.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L98.1 – Factitial dermatitis

SNOMEDCT:
247444006 – Excoriation of skin

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

Drug Reaction Data

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:03/28/2021
Last Updated:03/12/2024
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Patient Information for Neurotic excoriations in Child
Print E-Mail Images (13)
Contributors: Medical staff writer
Premium Feature
VisualDx Patient Handouts
Available in the Elite package
  • Improve treatment compliance
  • Reduce after-hours questions
  • Increase patient engagement and satisfaction
  • Written in clear, easy-to-understand language. No confusing jargon.
  • Available in English and Spanish
  • Print out or email directly to your patient
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Neurotic excoriations in Child
See also in: Hair and Scalp
A medical illustration showing key findings of Neurotic excoriations : Linear configuration, Non-healing skin lesions, Substance abuse, Pruritus, Skin erosions, Atrophic scars, Excoriations
Clinical image of Neurotic excoriations - imageId=251591. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of linear, crusted excoriations.'
A close-up of linear, crusted excoriations.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.