Acne excoriée: Diagnostic overview and management

Abstract

AbstractAcne excoriée (AE) is a skin picking disorder (SPD) within the group of obsessive compulsive (OCD) and related disorders characterized by the compulsive manipulation of acne lesions. AE typically appears in females during adolescence or young adulthood and can cause significant disfigurement and psychosocial impairment. This disorder is under‐recognized due to patient discomfort to disclose excoriation habits or lack of behavior awareness. It is imperative that dermatologists accurately diagnose and treat this disorder to minimize long‐term damage to the skin. This review aims to provide an overview of the diagnosis and treatment options for AE.