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LICHEN SIMPLEX CHRONICUS
This patient information and photograph on Lichen Striatus is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.
What is it?
Lichen simplex chronicus is
a peculiar disorder of the skin. It can occur at any age, but it is
What causes it?
Lichen simplex chronicus is
an inflammatory disease of the skin that is caused by rubbing and scratching.
Many factors may have been the basis for the initial itch, from an insect bite
to dry skin, but the initial insult is now long gone, and what is left is a
Why lichen simplex chronicus occurs is
unknown, but we do know that rubbing and scratching makes it worse. When rubbing
and scratching occurs the skin responds by thickening. Thick skin dries and
cracks easily and dry cracked skin also itches. Therefore, you are caught in a
vicious itch-scratch-itch cycle, and the skin
Is it dangerous? Lichen simplex chronicus is a harmless disorder. It is not related to cancer and it does not involve internal organs.
Can it be cured?
The treatment plan is
directed at stopping the itching long enough
for the skin to return to
normal. The treatment program I put you on will help control or
Will it spread? Many people have more than one spot.
Is it contagious? Lichen simplex chronicus is not contagious and you can not "catch it" from anyone. It is not a fungus infection.
© John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. 2004 WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.Com |
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Last modified: 10/19/08 |
more common
in adults. Typically it appears as patches of thickened itchy skin. These
thickened patches may occur anywhere on the body.
thick, dry, itchy patch of skin.
won't heal because you are scratching, and the scratching makes the itch worse.