Bullous dermatitis artefacta

Am J Dermatopathol. 2013 Feb;35(1):110-2. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0b013e31825dd246.

Abstract

Bullous artefactual dermatoses are rare and may be induced by various techniques, including chemicals, heat, or electrical current. Proving a factitial etiology and identifying the mechanism of injury may be difficult. We describe the clinical features and histopathology of 2 patients with bullous disease induced by electrical current or heat. Physical examination in both patients demonstrated geometrically shaped tense bullae. Skin biopsies revealed epidermal necrosis overlying a pauci-inflammatory subepidermal cleft, with homogenization of underlying superficial dermal collagen. In 1 of the 2 patients, there was prominent vertical elongation of keratinocyte nuclei and also of cytoplasmic processes. Direct immunofluorescence study of skin plus testing of serum by indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for BP180 and BP230 antibodies revealed no evidence for immunobullous disease in either patient. Vertical elongation of keratinocyte nuclei, often attributed to a polarization effect of electrical current, is characteristic of electrical burn but also may be induced by thermal injury. These 2 patients highlight the importance of histopathology in confirming a diagnosis of bullous dermatitis artefacta.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Burns / pathology*
  • Burns / psychology
  • Burns / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / pathology*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / therapy
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / psychology
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / therapy
  • Young Adult