Dermatophagia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The fingers of a dermatophagia sufferer. After some time, the repeated biting leaves the skin discolored and bloody.
The fingers of a dermatophagia sufferer. After some time, the repeated biting leaves the skin discolored and bloody.

Dermatophagia (sufferers can be called wolf-biters)[1] is a form of neurodermatosis wherein a sufferer habitually bites their skin.[1][2] It often takes the form of chewing on the fingers,[3] and when left unchecked, can lead to unsightly discoloration and damage.

[edit] Behavior

Sufferers of dermatophagia often chew their skin out of habit or compulsion,[1][2] and can do so on a variety of places on their body.[2] Commonly, it seems to manifest in the fingers, where the skin around fingernails and surrounding joints get the brunt of the damage.[3] If the behavior is left unchecked for an extended period, callouses may start to develop where most of the biting is done.[2]

Skin chewing can be bolstered by times of apprehension and other unpleasant events.[2] Another disorder, known as dermatillomania, the act of picking at one's skin, can sometimes accompany dermatophagia.

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b c Dermatophagia. PubMed. Department of Health and Human Services (1997). Retrieved on June 15, 2007.
  2. ^ a b c d e Al Aboud, Khalid; V. Ramesh; and K. Al Hawsawi (2003). Dermatophagia Simulating Callosities (pdf). Dermatology Psychosomatics. Department of Dermatology. Retrieved on July 17, 2007.
  3. ^ a b Stop eating my fingers. 43 Things. Robot Co-op. Retrieved on June 15, 2007.
This medical article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.