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Lichen Simplex Chronicus Updated 4/2011

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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • General Prevention
  • Pathophysiology
  • Etiology
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Diet
  • Patient Education
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • A chronic dermatitis resulting from continued, repeated rubbing or scratching part of the skin
  • System(s) affected: Skin/Exocrine
  • Synonym(s): Lichen simplex; Neurodermatitis; Neurodermatitis circumscripta
Epidemiology
ALERT: Geriatric Considerations
  • Common in those > 60 years
ALERT: Pediatric Considerations
  • Rare in preadolescents
Incidence
  • Common
  • Peak incidence 30–50 years of age
  • Females > Males
Prevalence

Common

Risk Factors
  • Any preexisting pruritic dermatosis can result in the development of lichen simplex chronicus.
  • Exposure to irritants
Genetics
  • Possible relation to polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter gene
  • Short allele at promoter region leading to increased risk of disease
  • 12/12 genotype relating to increased risk of psychiatric complications
General Prevention

Avoid irritants and other known causative agents.

Pathophysiology
  • Repeated scratching or rubbing of ...

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See Also
Images >
12
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Figure 24-12 Lichen simplex chronicus. Shown here is the lateral aspect of the patient's left ankle, the skin of which is thickened and rough from rubbing and scratching subsequent to itching associated with chronic atopic dermatitis.Credit: Thomas H. McConnell, The Nature Of Disease Pathology for the Health Professions, Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007
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