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Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Lichen Simplex Chronicus is commonly known as LSC. This is a skin disorder. It has tiny, round itchy spots, which become thick and leathery because of constant scratching. With itching, these spots have chronic inflammation. It can appear anywhere in the body but wrists, back, ankles, side of neck, forearm, uvula, pubis, eyelids, ear openings are the common locations for LSC.
Lichen simplex chronicus as the name suggests, is the result of chronic irritation of skin. It is also termed as neurodermatis. There are four to five cases of LSC in every thousand people all over the world.
In this condition, there is a vicious circle of scratching and itching. Itching occurs due to irritation of skin and person scratches because of itching. It creates more irritation of skin and skin gets damaged. There is further risk of infection as due to constant scratching, outer layer of skin cracks. Skin tries to repair itself, which causes itching and scratching cycle. All of this makes the skin thick. It occurs in patches of about 1 to 10 inches in diameter.
Children are the most affected group of this disorder as they have less control over their senses and are tempted to scratch an itch repeatedly. This makes the condition worse.
Causes and symptoms
Anything can start the symptoms of this disorder. Anything which continuously rub and irritate skin and causes scratching. It develops with habitual scratching of the skin. Rather than a disease, LSC is a symptom.
Lichen simplex chronicus often starts with continuous scrubbing and rubbing of skin. This rubbing of skin causes dry ness, itchiness and then person is tempted to scratch the skin. It makes it hard and leathery. Leathery patches mark affected skin.
Chronic itching is the main symptom of lichen simplex chronicus. As in other skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, nervous tension, anxiety, depression are main cause behind itching. Any part of the body can develop these leathery patches. If this skin condition persists for longer time, affected skin patch becomes brown colored.
Initial symptoms of LSC change shape. When skin becomes leathery and thick, skin lines appear more clearly and these changes are called lichenification.
Treatment of Lichen simplex chronicus
For its treatment, a dermatologist should be consulted. He can diagnose it by visual examination of the affected skin patch.
To protect the skin from continuous scratching, it should be treated for stopping itching. There are many methods available to stop itching. First and the foremost important routine for reducing the skin damage due to scratching, is to keep your fingernails cut and short.
You can apply ice to numb those areas where, you are tempted to scratch. If itching does not stop, you can apply dressing over there.
Avoid wearing heat producing and fuzzy clothing; instead wear smooth and cotton clothing to pacify itching. Keep the affected area covered with soft clothing as affected person scratch the skin in sleep unknowingly.
There are several topical medicated ointments, which help in relieve itching. These ointments may be containing menthol, eucalyptus oil, camphor or aloe. Patient can apply mild topical cortisone ointment, which is available over the counter. When you apply any medicated ointment, cover the affected area by some rubber covering or plastic wrap to make a waterproof barrier. This way, these medicines work more efficiently.
Patients should apply topical antibiotics over the broken skin to avoid secondary infection to develop. It is recommended to apply these medicines at early stage to avoid any damage to skin.
Some medicines are prescribed to dissolve or melt the excess of skin protein, keratin, which gets accumulated over the skin. These medicines help to reduce the build up of thick skin layer. These medicines are known as keratolytics which include lactic acid, urea and salicylic acid.
In severe cases, where lichen simplex chronicus does not respond to any treatment, doctors prescribe direct injections of drugs like cortisone into the lesions. All these treatments are supported with advice for reducing mental stress and medicines, tranquilizers and sedatives are given to ease the tension and anxiety.
Lichen simplex chronicus can be prevented completely by early adopting ways to stop itching. When you start a treatment for lichen simplex chronicus, follow it diligently. Whenever symptoms reappear, you can stop them by taking treatment at early stage.
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