Reframing ‘dermatitis artefacta’ in children and young people as a functional skin disorder: building trust, improving communication and enhancing recovery

Dermatitis artefacta (DA) is known to have considerable burden on patients, healthcare professionals and services. We believe that the current guidance and terminology are not therapeutic. We propose a reframing of our approach, where dermatology adopts the term ‘functional skin disorders’ to cover a range of skin presentations linked to underlying psychological distress or abnormal brain/skin interaction without evidence of a primary skin disorder. This includes specific focus on DA. We offer input and reflections to help manage these presentations in a way that is consistent, focuses on the needs of our patients and offers a better prospect for sustainable recovery.