Lichen simplex chronicus: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
CSV import
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Lichen simplex chronicus
| image          = [[File:Lichen_simplex_chronicus_-_very_low_mag.jpg|alt=Micrograph of lichen simplex chronicus]]
| caption        = Micrograph of lichen simplex chronicus
| synonyms        = Neurodermatitis
| pronunciation  =
| specialty      = [[Dermatology]]
| symptoms        = [[Itching]], [[thickened skin]], [[scaling]]
| complications  = [[Infection]], [[scarring]]
| onset          =
| duration        =
| causes          = [[Chronic scratching]] or [[rubbing]]
| risks          = [[Atopic dermatitis]], [[anxiety]], [[stress]]
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical examination]], [[biopsy]]
| differential    = [[Psoriasis]], [[eczema]], [[lichen planus]]
| prevention      = Avoidance of scratching, [[stress management]]
| treatment      = [[Topical corticosteroids]], [[antihistamines]], [[moisturizers]]
| medication      =
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| frequency      = Common
}}
[[File:Lichen_simplex_chronicus_2.jpg|Lichen simplex chronicus|thumb|left]]
[[File:Lichen_simplex_chronicus_3.jpg|Lichen simplex chronicus|thumb]]
[[File:Lichen_simplex_chronicus_4.jpg|Lichen simplex chronicus|thumb|left]]
'''Lichen Simplex Chronicus''' (LSC), also known as '''Neurodermatitis Circumscripta''', is a skin disorder characterized by chronic itching and scratching. The constant scratching causes thick, leathery, brownish skin.
'''Lichen Simplex Chronicus''' (LSC), also known as '''Neurodermatitis Circumscripta''', is a skin disorder characterized by chronic itching and scratching. The constant scratching causes thick, leathery, brownish skin.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Lichen Simplex Chronicus is not a primary disease but a result of chronic scratching or rubbing of the skin. The exact cause of the itch is not known, but it may be due to stress, anxiety, or other psychological issues. It can also be triggered by dry skin, insect bites, or skin irritation from tight clothing.
Lichen Simplex Chronicus is not a primary disease but a result of chronic scratching or rubbing of the skin. The exact cause of the itch is not known, but it may be due to stress, anxiety, or other psychological issues. It can also be triggered by dry skin, insect bites, or skin irritation from tight clothing.
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The primary symptom of Lichen Simplex Chronicus is an intense itch, which leads to scratching. This scratching further irritates the skin, leading to a cycle of itching and scratching. Over time, the affected skin becomes thick, leathery, and darkly pigmented. The most commonly affected areas are the neck, wrist, forearm, thigh, ankle, and the genital area.
The primary symptom of Lichen Simplex Chronicus is an intense itch, which leads to scratching. This scratching further irritates the skin, leading to a cycle of itching and scratching. Over time, the affected skin becomes thick, leathery, and darkly pigmented. The most commonly affected areas are the neck, wrist, forearm, thigh, ankle, and the genital area.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of Lichen Simplex Chronicus is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and a history of chronic itching and scratching. A skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other skin diseases.
Diagnosis of Lichen Simplex Chronicus is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and a history of chronic itching and scratching. A skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other skin diseases.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment of Lichen Simplex Chronicus involves breaking the itch-scratch cycle. This can be achieved through the use of topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and in some cases, psychotherapy or counseling. In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be used.
Treatment of Lichen Simplex Chronicus involves breaking the itch-scratch cycle. This can be achieved through the use of topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and in some cases, psychotherapy or counseling. In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be used.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
With treatment, the prognosis for Lichen Simplex Chronicus is generally good. However, the condition can be difficult to manage and may recur, particularly if the underlying cause of the itch is not addressed.
With treatment, the prognosis for Lichen Simplex Chronicus is generally good. However, the condition can be difficult to manage and may recur, particularly if the underlying cause of the itch is not addressed.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Dermatology]]
* [[Dermatology]]
Line 22: Line 41:
* [[Corticosteroids]]
* [[Corticosteroids]]
* [[Antihistamines]]
* [[Antihistamines]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Skin conditions]]
[[Category:Skin conditions]]
[[Category:Chronic diseases]]
[[Category:Chronic diseases]]
{{Dermatology-stub}}
{{Dermatology-stub}}
<gallery>
File:Lichen_simplex_chronicus_1.jpg|Lichen simplex chronicus
File:Lichen_simplex_chronicus_2.jpg|Lichen simplex chronicus
File:Lichen_simplex_chronicus_3.jpg|Lichen simplex chronicus
File:Lichen_simplex_chronicus_4.jpg|Lichen simplex chronicus
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 21:17, 12 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Lichen simplex chronicus
Micrograph of lichen simplex chronicus
Synonyms Neurodermatitis
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Dermatology
Symptoms Itching, thickened skin, scaling
Complications Infection, scarring
Onset
Duration
Types N/A
Causes Chronic scratching or rubbing
Risks Atopic dermatitis, anxiety, stress
Diagnosis Clinical examination, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus
Prevention Avoidance of scratching, stress management
Treatment Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, moisturizers
Medication
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Lichen simplex chronicus
Lichen simplex chronicus
Lichen simplex chronicus

Lichen Simplex Chronicus (LSC), also known as Neurodermatitis Circumscripta, is a skin disorder characterized by chronic itching and scratching. The constant scratching causes thick, leathery, brownish skin.

Causes[edit]

Lichen Simplex Chronicus is not a primary disease but a result of chronic scratching or rubbing of the skin. The exact cause of the itch is not known, but it may be due to stress, anxiety, or other psychological issues. It can also be triggered by dry skin, insect bites, or skin irritation from tight clothing.

Symptoms[edit]

The primary symptom of Lichen Simplex Chronicus is an intense itch, which leads to scratching. This scratching further irritates the skin, leading to a cycle of itching and scratching. Over time, the affected skin becomes thick, leathery, and darkly pigmented. The most commonly affected areas are the neck, wrist, forearm, thigh, ankle, and the genital area.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of Lichen Simplex Chronicus is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and a history of chronic itching and scratching. A skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other skin diseases.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment of Lichen Simplex Chronicus involves breaking the itch-scratch cycle. This can be achieved through the use of topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and in some cases, psychotherapy or counseling. In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be used.

Prognosis[edit]

With treatment, the prognosis for Lichen Simplex Chronicus is generally good. However, the condition can be difficult to manage and may recur, particularly if the underlying cause of the itch is not addressed.

See also[edit]

Stub icon
   This article is a dermatology stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!