Dermatitis factitia [artefacta]

This code represents skin lesions that are self-inflicted or artificially produced by the patient, often to feign illness or for psychological reasons. These lesions are not caused by an underlying organic disease but are intentionally created or exaggerated. The condition is also known as factitious dermatitis or dermatitis artefacta.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates that skin lesions are intentionally self-induced by the patient, without an underlying medical cause. This diagnosis is typically made after other organic causes for the skin condition have been ruled out. Supporting documentation would include physician notes describing the artificial nature of the lesions, inconsistent presentation, and potentially a psychiatric evaluation.

• Always ensure documentation explicitly states the lesions are factitious or self-inflicted; avoid assuming.
• Do not confuse with malingering (V65.2), which is feigning illness for external gain, though overlap can occur.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when the factitious disorder is the main reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it complicates another condition.