Lichen simplex chronicus
LSC; Neurodermatitis circumscriptaLichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a skin condition caused by chronic itching and scratching.
Chronic
Chronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
LSC may occur in people who have:
- Skin allergies
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Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Eczema
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. It is a type of eczema. Other forms of eczema include...
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Psoriasis
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin redness, silvery scales, and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red, well-defined pat...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Nervousness, anxiety, depression, and other emotional problems
The problem is common in adults but may also be seen in children.
Symptoms
LSC leads to scratching, which then causes more itching. It often follows this pattern:
- It may start when something rubs, irritates, or scratches the skin, such as clothing.
- The person begins to rub or scratch the itchy area. Constant scratching (often during sleep) causes the skin to thicken.
- The thickened skin itches, and this leads to more scratching. This then causes more thickening of the skin.
- The skin may become leathery and brownish in the affected area.
Symptoms include:
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Itching of the skin that may be long-term (chronic), intense, and that increases with stress
Itching
Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...
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- Raw areas of skin
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Scaling
Scaling
Scales are a visible peeling or flaking of outer skin layers. These layers are called the stratum corneum.
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Skin lesion, patch, or plaque with sharp borders and a leathery texture, located on the ankle, wrist, back of the neck, rectum, anal area, forearms, thighs, lower leg, back of the knee, and inner elbow
Skin lesion
Rashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.
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Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will look at your skin and ask if you have had chronic itching and scratching in the past. A skin lesion biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Skin lesion biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleTreatment
The main treatment is to reduce the itch.
You may need to use these medicines on your skin:
- Lotion or steroid cream on the area to calm itching and irritation
- Numbing medicine
- Peeling ointments containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, or urea on patches of thick skin
You may need to use dressings that moisturize, cover, and protect the area. These may be used with or without medicated creams. They are left in place for a week or more at a time. Wearing cotton gloves at night may prevent skin damage from scratching.
To control itching and stress, you may need to take medicines by mouth, such as:
- Antihistamines
- Other oral medicines that control itch or pain
Steroids may be injected directly into the skin patches to reduce itching and irritation.
You may need to take antidepressants and tranquilizers if the cause of your itching is emotional. Other measures include:
- Counseling to help you realize the importance of not scratching
- Stress management
- Behavior modification
Outlook (Prognosis)
You can control LSC by reducing itch and controlling scratching. While the condition can be treated, it often returns. The condition may return or move to different areas on the skin. Ongoing management can help relieve symptoms.
Possible Complications
These complications of LSC can occur:
- Bacterial and fungal skin infection
- Permanent changes in skin color
- Permanent scar
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if:
- Symptoms get worse
- You develop new symptoms, especially signs of skin infection such as pain, redness, drainage from the area, or fever
References
Dinulos JGH. Eczema and hand dermatitis. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 3.
James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Pruritus and neurocutaneous dermatoses. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 4.
Patterson JW. The psoriasiform reaction pattern. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2021:chap 5.
Renzi MA, Sommer LL, Baker DJ. Lichen simplex chronicus. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, 2022:chap 138.
Zug KA. Eczema. In: Habif TP, Dinulos JGH, Chapman MS, Zug KA, eds. Skin Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 2.
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Lichen simplex chronicus on the ankle - illustration
Lichen simplex chronicus is also known as neurodermatitis. A minor itch may encourage scratching which increases the irritation, leading to more scratching. This ultimately results in a rough, scratched (excoriated), thickened skin surface which may develop increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) as seen here on the front part of the foot, just below the leg.
Lichen simplex chronicus on the ankle
illustration
-
Lichen simplex chronicus - illustration
Lichen simplex chronicus is also known as neurodermatitis. A minor itch may encourage scratching which increases the irritation, leading to more scratching. This ultimately results in a rough, scratched (excoriated), thickened skin surface that may develop increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation).
Lichen simplex chronicus
illustration
-
Lichen simplex chronicus on the back - illustration
Lichen simplex chronicus is also known as neurodermatitis. A minor itch may encourage scratching which increases the irritation, leading to more scratching. This ultimately results in a rough, scratched (excoriated), thickened skin surface that may develop increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation).
Lichen simplex chronicus on the back
illustration
-
Lichen simplex chronicus on the ankle - illustration
Lichen simplex chronicus is also known as neurodermatitis. A minor itch may encourage scratching which increases the irritation, leading to more scratching. This ultimately results in a rough, scratched (excoriated), thickened skin surface which may develop increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) as seen here on the front part of the foot, just below the leg.
Lichen simplex chronicus on the ankle
illustration
-
Lichen simplex chronicus - illustration
Lichen simplex chronicus is also known as neurodermatitis. A minor itch may encourage scratching which increases the irritation, leading to more scratching. This ultimately results in a rough, scratched (excoriated), thickened skin surface that may develop increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation).
Lichen simplex chronicus
illustration
-
Lichen simplex chronicus on the back - illustration
Lichen simplex chronicus is also known as neurodermatitis. A minor itch may encourage scratching which increases the irritation, leading to more scratching. This ultimately results in a rough, scratched (excoriated), thickened skin surface that may develop increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation).
Lichen simplex chronicus on the back
illustration
Review Date: 11/18/2022
Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update: 06/13/2024.