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Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Dongsheng Jiang, MS, MD and Joseph P Wiedemer, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a chronic dermatitis resulting from chronic, repeated rubbing or scratching of the skin. Skin becomes thickened with accentuated lines (“lichenifica...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Gradual onset

  • Begins as a localized area of pruritus

  • Most patients acknowledge that they respond with vigorous rubbing, itching, or scratching, which brings temporary satisfaction.

  • Pruri...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treat underlying causes

  • Patient education is critical.

  • Low likelihood of resolution if patient unable to avoid scratching/rubbing. SSRIs may be effective in controlling compuls...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Patients should be followed for response to therapy, complications from therapy (especially topical steroids), and secondary infections. 

DIET

Reg...

REFERENCES

1
Ju T, Vander Does A, Mohsin N, et al. Lichen Simplex Chronicus Itch: An Update. Acta Derm Venereol. 2022;102:adv00796. doi: 10.2340/actadv.v102.4367. PMID: 36250769.
2
Borghi A, Virgili A, C...

CODES

ICD10

L28.0 Lichen simplex chronicus 

SNOMED

  • 53891004 Lichen simplex chronicus (disorder)

  • 201020007 Lichenification and lichen simplex chronicus (disorder)

  • 267854005 Neurodermatitis (disorder)

  • 4022420...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • LSC is a chronic inflammatory condition that results from repeated scratching and rubbing.

  • Primary LSC originates de novo, whereas secondary LSC occurs in the setting of a preexisting p...

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