Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Excerpt

Lichen simplex chronicus is defined as a common form of chronic neurodermatitis that presents as dry, patchy areas of skin that are scaly and thick. The hypertrophic epidermis generally seen is typically the result of habitual scratching or rubbing of a specific area of the skin. The root of the disorder may be both a primary symptom, reflective of perhaps a psychological component or secondary to other cutaneous issues such as eczema or psoriasis. The development of such plaques is the result of the pruritic dermatoses that typically result from the psychological stressors. It typically affects specific areas of the body as described below. Although lichen simplex chronicus is most often a non-life-threatening skin disorder, the frequent itching can lead to infection, changes to how keratinocytes divide and grow, and subsequent, although rarely observed, malignant transformation of the epithelial tissues affected.