Be vigilant for signs of Munchausen syndrome by proxy in children with unresponsive dermatologic conditions.
• Dermatologists should be alert for signs of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) in children with severe dermatologic conditions who are unresponsive to treatment.
• MSBP is a form of abuse where a caregiver fabricates or exaggerates symptoms in a child for attention or sympathy, often altering medical tests or applying harmful substances to the child’s skin.
• Cutaneous manifestations of MSBP can include severe bruising, blistering, and signs resembling other skin conditions.
• In almost all cases, the abuse is inflicted by the mother, who may have a mental illness or personality disorder.
• Early identification of MSBP is crucial as the mortality rate is high, and dermatologists should be wary of cases where treatment is ineffective or the child’s condition worsens.
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Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, Nursing