Lichen Simplex Chronicus

by Garreth Myers

Lichen simplex chronicus is a skin condition where the skin becomes thickened and leathery. This is caused due to excessive scratching of the skin. Lichen simplex chronicus is not a serious problem; it is a response by the skin to constant external abrasion.

What are the Causes of Lichen Simplex Chronicus?

The direct cause for the disorder is constant scratching of the skin. The constant and repeated scratching causes the skin to become thickened, resulting in the typical leathery texture of the skin. This itching can be caused by any number of reasons. It can start off as a response to an insect bite or even clothes rubbing against a sensitive portion of the skin; the repeated scratching of the sensitive area leads to damage to the skin. The skin responds by forming a thicker layer. This thickened skin itches more than normal skin, resulting in an itch-scratch-itch cycle that never ends. The problem can also spread from one portion to another for the same reason.

Typically, lichens simplex chronicus is found around the anus and on the face, neck, wrists, forearms, inner elbows, ankles, thighs, calves, feet, and knee pits. Although not related to other forms of skin disorders, lichens simplex chronicus can be associated with psoriasis and dermatitis. In some cases, depression, nervousness, and anxiety are found to occur along with the problem. In such cases, it is assumed that the psychological disorders are the direct cause of the scratching that results in lichens simplex chronicus.

Symptoms: The symptoms of lichens simplex chronicus are very easily identified. Usually, itching starts in some portion of the body, caused by anything that rubs or irritates the skin. The scratching should be chronic (long-term), should be intense, and may or may not increase with stress. This results in the person scratching the affected area. The scratching causes the skin to become thick, and gives it a leathery and dry look. Sometimes, even the color of the skin can change and the affected area can become dark brownish.

Spreading of lichens simplex chronicus occurs for the same reason. A person may scratch the adjacent healthy skin, causing even that portion to thicken. The amount of thickening of skin can differ depending on how long the scratching has been going on for. In very severe cases, the skin can become so thick as to form an immovable lump. The lump can manifest as exaggerated skin lines, may have raw areas, and may have definite scratch marks.

Treatment: Treatment of lichens simplex chronicus is very easy and only requires that the scratching stop. Once the constant scratching stops, the skin automatically heals itself and comes back to its original condition. Any moisturizing lotion or solution that helps relive the itching will therefore help. Anything from oils to water-based moisturizers have been found to be effective to different degrees. People whose scratching has a psychological origin may need other forms of treatment, involving treating the underlying cause. Once the underlying problems are resolved, the scratching will also stop.

Cure: Lichens simplex chronicus is completely curable. Application of creams may or may not have any direct impact on the cure. As of now, there are very few treatment options as such. Although tacrolimus based creams applied topically have been found to be very effective. Homeopathic and other natural medication has not been found to be of any use.

Whatever the creams are that are used, it is the scratching of the affected area that causes the skin to thicken. The scratching must therefore stop. Any curative cream or medication is only to help relieve the itching and therefore prevent unconscious scratching.

References

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