Lichen simplex chronicus

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Lichen simplex chronicus

Lichen simplex chronicus on the ankle

Lichen simplex chronicus on the back

This skin disorder leads to a scratch-itch cycle:

• It may begin with something that rubs, irritates, or scratches the skin, such as clothing.
• This causes the person to rub or scratch the affected area. Constant scratching causes the skin to thicken.
• The thickened skin itches, causing more scratching, which causes more thickening.
• The skin may become leathery and brownish in the affected area.

Symptoms include:

• Itching of the skin
  • May be long-term (chronic)
  • May be intense
  • Increases with nervous tension, stress
• Skin lesion , patch, or plaque
  • Commonly located on the ankle, wrist, neck, rectum/anal area, forearms, thighs, lower leg, back of the knee, inner elbow
  • Exaggerated skin lines over the lesion
  • Distinct borders to the lesion
  • Becomes leathery in texture (lichenification)
  • Darkened (hyperpigmented) or reddened skin
  • Raw areas
  • Scratch marks
  • Scaling

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The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and a history of chronic itching and scratching. A skin lesion biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Review Date: 10/10/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).