[Pachydermodactyly in adolescents: a sign of discomfort?].

BACKGROUND

Pachydermodactyly is an acquired dermatosis related to psychological disturbances.

CASE REPORT

A 16 year-old boy presented with fibrous skin hypertrophy of proximal interphalangeal joint areas of both hands suggestive of pachydermodactyly. Skin biopsy confirmed the fibromatous nature of hypertrophy. The personal history of the child confirmed that pachydermocactyly was due to compulsive rubbing stretching movements in a patient with psychological troubles.

CONCLUSIONS

Pachydermodactyly, mainly observed among male teenagers, must be considered as an induced dermatosis and distinguished from primary fibromatosis.