Lichen simplex chronicus

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Lichen simplex chronicus

Lichen simplex chronicus on the ankle

Lichen simplex chronicus on the back

• Itching of the skin
  • May be chronic
  • May be intense
  • Increases with nervous tension, stress
• Skin lesion , patch, or plaque
  • Exaggerated skin lines over the lesion
  • Circumscribed lesion with distinct borders
  • Skin lesion becomes leathery textured (lichenification)
  • Darkened (hyperpigmented) or reddened skin
  • Excoriation, raw areas
  • Scratch marks
  • Scaling
  • Commonly located on the ankle, wrist, neck, rectum/anal area, forearms, thighs, lower leg, back of the knee, inner elbow

The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and a history of chronic itching and scratching. A skin lesion biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Review Date: 10/16/2006
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.