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Lichen simplex chronicus

ICD-10	L280
ICD-9	698.3
OMIM	[1]
DiseasesDB	31441
MedlinePlus	000872
eMedicine	derm/236
MeSH	{{{MeshNumber}}}

Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a skin disorder characterized by chronic itching and scratching. The constant scratching causes thick, leathery, brownish skin.

[edit] Causes

This is a skin disorder characterized by a self-perpetuating 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, causing more thickening.

The skin may become leathery and brownish in the affected area. This disorder may be associated with atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis. It may also be associated with nervousness, anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders.

It is common in children, who chronically scratch insect bites and other areas. It can also be common in mentally retarded children who have chronic repetitive movements.

[edit] Treatment

Treatment is aimed at reducing itching and minimizing existing lesions because rubbing and scratching cause LSC. The itching and inflammation may be treated with a lotion or steroid cream applied to the affected area of the skin.

[edit] See also

• Pruritus
• Neurodermatitis

v·d·e Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (integumentary system) (L, 680-709)
Infections	Staphylococcus (Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, Impetigo, Boil, Carbuncle) - Cellulitis (Paronychia) - Acute lymphadenitis - Pilonidal cyst - Corynebacterium (Erythrasma)
Bullous disorders	Pemphigus - Pemphigoid (Bullous pemphigoid) - Dermatitis herpetiformis
Dermatitis and eczema	Atopic dermatitis - Seborrhoeic dermatitis (Dandruff, Cradle cap) - Diaper rash - Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis - Contact dermatitis - Erythroderma - Lichen simplex chronicus - Prurigo nodularis - Itch - Pruritus ani - Nummular dermatitis - Dyshidrosis - Pityriasis alba
Papulosquamous disorders	Psoriasis (Psoriatic arthritis) - Parapsoriasis (Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, Pityriasis lichenoides chronica) - Pityriasis rosea - Lichen planus - Pityriasis rubra pilaris
Urticaria and erythema	Urticaria (Dermatographic urticaria, Cholinergic urticaria) - Erythema (Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Erythema nodosum, Erythema annulare centrifugum, Erythema marginatum)
Radiation-related disorders	Sunburn - Actinic keratosis - Polymorphous light eruption - Radiodermatitis - Erythema ab igne
Disorders of skin appendages	nail disease: Ingrown nail - Onychogryposis - Beau's lines - Yellow nail syndrome follicular disorders: Alopecia areata (Alopecia universalis) - Androgenic alopecia - Telogen effluvium - Lichen planopilaris - Trichorrhexis nodosa - Hypertrichosis (Hirsutism) - Acne vulgaris - Rosacea (Perioral dermatitis, Rhinophyma) - Epidermoid cyst - Sebaceous cyst - Pseudofolliculitis barbae - Hidradenitis suppurativa sweat disorders: Miliaria - Anhidrosis - Body odor - Chromhidrosis
Other	pigmentation (Vitiligo, Melasma, Freckle, Café au lait spot, Lentigo/Liver spot) - Seborrheic keratosis - Acanthosis nigricans - Callus - Pyoderma gangrenosum - Bedsore - Keloid - Granuloma annulare - Necrobiosis lipoidica - Granuloma faciale - Lupus erythematosus - Morphea - Calcinosis cutis - Sclerodactyly - Ainhum - Livedoid vasculitis
see also congenital (Q80-Q84, 757)