DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF MISDIAGNOSED DERMATOSES

The location of cutaneous lesions is generally a clue to the diagnosis, as in the case of dermatitis factitia, but it must not be depended upon without reservation. Lesions diagnosed as paronychia because they occur on the hands may be caused by the virus of herpes simplex; a lesion diagnosed as carcinoma because it is on the tongue may be a common wart. Two cases of dermatitis factitia are described. In one it was caused by the patient's desire for workmen's compensation; in the other it was the first symptom of schizophrenia.