Lichen Simplex Chronicus - Symptoms and Treatment

Lichen simplex chronicus is a skin disorder characterized by chronic itching and scratching. The constant scratching causes thick, leathery, brownish skin. Neurodermatitis isn't serious but breaking the itch-scratch cycle can be challenging. Successful treatment depends on identifying and eliminating factors that may be aggravating the problem. Over-the-counter and prescription creams can help. Once the scratching stops, it can take months for the skin to return to normal. Lichen Simplex Chronicus is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Lichen Simplex Chronicus may occur to the people at any age. There are other skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or eczema or psoriasis; these are very similar to the Lichen simplex chronicus. Litchen simplex Chronicus is also known to be caused by nervousness, anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders. It is characterized by small, intensely pruritic papules. The skin eruption is created by habitually scratching a certain area over a long period of time. This scratching causes characteristic changes such as thickening and darkening of the skin, and an accentuation of normal skin lines. These changes are called lichenification. Lichen simplex, also called neurodermatitis. It generally affects adults, and may result in one, or many itchy patches. Lichen Simplex Chronicus is seen in people with eczema. Stress and depression exacerbate lichen simplex chronicus (LSC). LSC often has a chronic, waxing-and-waning course that parallels the patient's changes in emotions.

Causes of Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Common Causes of Lichen Simplex Chronicus :

• Psychological factors play important role in the development or exacerbation of LSC.
• Long-term exposure to street traffic may be associated with an increase in the frequency of childhood skin diseases, including LSC.
• Lichen simplex chronicus may be associated with nervousness, anxiety, depression, and other psychologic disorders.
• The main cause of it comes, when something that rubs, irritates, or scratches the skin, such as clothing. The thickened skin may become leathery and brownish in the affected area.
• Atopic dermatitis, is also the main cause of lichen simplex chronicus.

Symptoms of Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Some common Symptoms of Lichen Simplex Chronicus :

• Scratch marks .
• Skin lesion, patch, or plaque .
• Itching of the skin.
• Nervous tension, stress.
• Scaling.
• Darkened (hyperpigmented) or reddened skin .

Treatment of Lichen Simplex Chronicus

• Oral antianxiety medications may be used for the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus.
• Corticosteroids creams may also be used over the affected area.
• Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Atarax) are common. Doxepin (Sinequan) and clonazepam (Klonopin) may be considered in appropriate cases.
• Ultraviolet light therapy
• Sedatives and tranquilizers are very effective to get relief from stress.
• Apply a thin layer of the steroid cream to the affected areas at night. Continue until the patch has flattened with the normal skin.
• Oral anti-histamines, especially for use at bedtime
• Doxepin or capsaicin cream.

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