Lichen simplex chronicus is thick leathery-like skin with exaggerated skin markings caused by sudden itching and excessive rubbing and scratching. It generally results in small papules, patches, scratch marks and scale. Most common sites of lichen simplex chronicus are the sides of the neck, the scalp, ankles, vulva, pubis, scrotum, and extensor sides of the forearms. The skin may become thickened and hyperpigmented (= lichenified) as a direct result of chronic excoriation.
This chronic allergic condition develops gradually. For those affected, the scratching becomes a habit. People with lichen simplex chronicus report pruritus, followed by uncontrollable scratching of the same body region, excessively.
○ Treatment ― OTC Drugs Washing the lesion area with soap does not help at all and can make it worse.
OTC steroid ointment may not work for the low potency. It may need to be applied for 1 weeks or more to improve. #Hydrocortisone ointment
Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) (also known as neurodermatitis) is a skin disorder characterized by chronic itching and scratching. The constant scratching causes thick, leathery, darkened, (lichenified) skin. This condition is associated with many factors, including the scratch-itch cycle, psychological stressors, and atopy. LSC is more common between ages 35 and 50 and is seen approximately twice as often in women compared to men.
☆ In the 2022 Stiftung Warentest results from Germany, consumer satisfaction with ModelDerm was only slightly lower than with paid telemedicine consultations.
Lichen simplex chronicus is a common disease. If you have thick plaque lesions that itch for a long time on your legs, this disorder can be considered.
If eczema persists for a long time, the skin thickens and becomes pigmented.
LSC is a localized skin disorder clinically characterized by lichenified plaques of skin often accompanied by overlying excoriations. These plaques can become discoloured, with varying shades of erythema ranging from pink to dark brown. Over a longer course, it may transform into a hypopigmented plaque with a darker border. They are localized to specific areas of the body as one or a few plaques. This is in contrast to prurigo nodularis (PN), another chronic pruritic condition, which is frequently more broadly distributed across multiple regions of the body as nodules. While LSC may sometimes be referred to as a neurodermatitis, which encompasses other chronic itchy conditions.
Lichen simplex chronicus is defined as a common form of chronic neurodermatitis that presents as dry, patchy areas of skin that are scaly and thick. The hypertrophic epidermis generally seen is typically the result of habitual scratching or rubbing of a specific area of the skin.
This chronic allergic condition develops gradually. For those affected, the scratching becomes a habit. People with lichen simplex chronicus report pruritus, followed by uncontrollable scratching of the same body region, excessively.
○ Treatment ― OTC Drugs
Washing the lesion area with soap does not help at all and can make it worse.
OTC steroid ointment may not work for the low potency. It may need to be applied for 1 weeks or more to improve.
#Hydrocortisone ointment
OTC antihistamine. Cetirizine or levocetirizine are more effective than fexofenadine but make you drowsy.
#Cetirizine [Zytec]
#LevoCetirizine [Xyzal]