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    Lichen Simplex / Neurodermatitis

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    Dewins
    Lichen simplex, also known as neurodermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes itchy patches, usually on the neck, scalp, shoulders, wrists or ankles. It results from repeated scratching or rubbing of the skin in response to itching caused by things like insect bites, stress or nervous habits. The affected skin becomes thickened with small bumps and broken hairs. Treatment focuses on stopping scratching using willpower and steroid creams, along with moisturizing and avoiding further irritation. Lichen simplex tends to persist and recur without ongoing management.

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    Lichen Simplex / Neurodermatitis

    Uploaded by

    Dewins
    346 views2 pages
    Lichen simplex, also known as neurodermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes itchy patches, usually on the neck, scalp, shoulders, wrists or ankles. It results from repeated scratching or rubbing of the skin in response to itching caused by things like insect bites, stress or nervous habits. The affected skin becomes thickened with small bumps and broken hairs. Treatment focuses on stopping scratching using willpower and steroid creams, along with moisturizing and avoiding further irritation. Lichen simplex tends to persist and recur without ongoing management.

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    Lichen simplex, also known as neurodermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes itchy patches, usually on the neck, scalp, shoulders, wrists or ankles. It results from repeated scratching or rubbing of the skin in response to itching caused by things like insect bites, stress or nervous habits. The affected skin becomes thickened with small bumps and broken hairs. Treatment focuses on stopping scratching using willpower and steroid creams, along with moisturizing and avoiding further irritation. Lichen simplex tends to persist and recur without ongoing management.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    346 views2 pages

    Lichen Simplex / Neurodermatitis

    Uploaded by

    Dewins
    Lichen simplex, also known as neurodermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes itchy patches, usually on the neck, scalp, shoulders, wrists or ankles. It results from repeated scratching or rubbing of the skin in response to itching caused by things like insect bites, stress or nervous habits. The affected skin becomes thickened with small bumps and broken hairs. Treatment focuses on stopping scratching using willpower and steroid creams, along with moisturizing and avoiding further irritation. Lichen simplex tends to persist and recur without ongoing management.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    Lichen simplex (neurodermatitis).

    DermNet NZ

    12/24/2007 06:41 PM

    DermNet NZ
    Authoritative facts about the skin from the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated.
    Home | Eczema, dermatitis and allergies

    Lichen simplex
    Lichen simplex, also called neurodermatitis, is a common skin problem. It generally affects adults, and may result
    in one, or many itchy patches.
    Lichen simplex is a type of dermatitis, and is usually the result of repeated rubbing or scratching. The stimulus to
    scratch may be unrecognized, perhaps a mosquito bite, stress, or simply a nervous habit.
    The result is a very itchy patch of skin, often located on the nape of the neck, the scalp, the shoulder, the wrist,
    or the ankle. The genitals are less common sites.
    The affected skin is thickened, often appearing as a group of small firm papules (bumps). The skin markings are
    more visible, and the hairs are often broken-off. The colour may be darker or sometimes paler than the
    surrounding skin.
    Lichen simplex tends to be very persistent, and readily recurs despite often initially effective treatment.
    Lichen simplex

    Treatment
    Stop Scratching
    This is most important but will need a lot of will-power! Steroid creams prescribed by your doctor will help. Apply
    moisturizers or a cold flannel whenever you feel the need to scratch. Pat instead of rubbing. Cut your nails short
    and use the pulp of your fingers.
    Steroid creams
    As lichen simplex seldom responds to mild topical steroid preparations, potent topical steroids are usually
    needed. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected areas at night. Continue until the patch has flattened with
    the normal skin.
    http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/lichen-simplex.html

    Page 1 of 2

    Lichen simplex (neurodermatitis). DermNet NZ

    12/24/2007 06:41 PM

    the normal skin.


    Your doctor or dermatologist may suggest occluding the worst patches by taping them with a plastic cling film
    wrap at night-time. Do not do this for more than a few days without checking first with your doctor.
    Note: this treatment may not be suitable for the face, genitals or body folds, as strong steroid creams can cause
    skin thinning.
    Treatment should then be continued with a weaker topical steroid if the itch continues to be bothersome.

    Other measures
    Coal tar preparations can work well to lessen the itching, without any risk of skin thinning.
    Moisturisers should be applied liberally and often, to smooth the skin and reduce itch.
    Avoid soap - try bath oils or soap substitutes.
    Antihistamine pills can lessen itch. They are best taken at night.
    Steroid injections into the patches may be recommended by your dermatologist.
    Phototherapy (ultraviolet light treatment) is worthwhile for those with widespread neurodermatitis.
    Related information
    On DermNet NZ:
    Dermatitis
    Topical steroids
    Other websites:
    Lichen simplex chronicus emedicine dermatology, the online textbook

    DermNet does not provide an on-line consultation service.


    If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.
    Created 1997. Last updated 24 Feb 2007. 2007 NZDS. Disclaimer.

    http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/lichen-simplex.html

    Page 2 of 2

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