Lichen simplex chronicus

May occur as a primary process with no underlying dermatosis or as a secondary process due to an underlying pruritic dermatosis (such as atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis) or a systemic condition causing pruritus.

Underlying psychological comorbidities may be present including depression, anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

A difficult to manage and often recurring condition that is treated with potent topical corticosteroids and sedating antihistamines.

Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a common cutaneous disorder characterised by well-circumscribed erythematous, often hyperpigmented, patches and plaques of thickened lichenified skin. It most commonly occurrs on the neck, ankles, scalp, pubis, vulva, scrotum, and extensor forearms as a result of chronic rubbing and scratching.[1]Lotti T, Buggaiani G, Prignano F. Prurigo nodularis and lichen simplex chronicus. Dermatol Ther. 2008;21:42-46. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/119418692/HTMLSTART http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18318884?tool=bestpractice.com