Abstract. Introduction. Dermatitis artefacta is a psychocutaneous condition in which skin lesions are the result of deliberate or unconscious actions by the patient. The disorder often remains undiagnosed or is misinterpreted as an organic dermatosis due to the patient‘s refusal to acknowledge the link be-tween psychological distress and skin symptoms. Aim. The aim of this study is to present three clinical cases of patients with dermatitis artefacta, focusing on the diagnostic challenges and the necessity of early psychiatric intervention. Methods. Three consecutive cases of female patients hospitalized in the Dermatology Clinic with unexplained skin lesions are presented. Their clinical course was followed up, including dermatological and psychiatric consultations during hospitalization. Results. In all three cases, self-inflicted skin lesions with typical features of dermatitis artefacta were identified. Following special-ist consultations, psychiatric evaluation and referral for further treatment in a psychiatric clinic were recommended in each case. Discussion. These cases highlight the difficulty in differentiating dermatitis artefacta from organic skin diseases, especially when patients are not cooperative. An interdisciplinary approach involving both a dermatologist and a psychiatrist is essential for achieving an accurate di-agnosis and initiating effective treatment. Conclusion. Successful management of dermatitis artefacta requires an empathetic, non-confrontational approach, early psychiatric assessment, and long-term follow-up to reduce relapses and prevent future self-harming behavior.

Key words: dermatitis artefacta, factitious disorder, self-inflicted skin lesions, psychodermatology, psychiatric comorbidity

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