Wide range of age of onset and low referral rates to psychiatry in a large cohort of acne excoriée at a Swiss tertiary hospital

AbstractIntroduction: Repetitive skin manipulation is the key symptom in skin picking disorder (SPD) or acne excoriee des jeunes filles Brocq. The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) has recognized SPD as an independent disease, namely an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Thus, psychiatric treatment is indicated. Therefore, in a large cohort of SPD, we asked whether dermatologists’ treatment strategy includes routine referrals to psychiatry. In addition, we describe epidemiological data, treatments and follow up.Methods: We performed a retrospective study, searching in our hospital database between January 1 2011 and December 31 2016.Results: A total of 154 (141 female, 13 male) patients were included in our study. In less than 5% a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist occurred. More than 90% of all patients received topical and almost 40% systemical anti-acne treatment. The loss of follow-up was very high.Discussion: Our study shows that dermatologists focus on treating acne-...