Lichen Simplex Chronicus: Its Causes, Symptoms, and Common Risk Factors
It is no secret that skin issues have always been a global problem. Lichen Simplex Chronicus is one such example that is prevalent worldwide.
What is Lichen Simplex Chronicus?
Lichen simplex chronicus is a skin condition that starts with repeated skin scratching and/or rubbing. It seems normal when it starts, and that is the reason most people neglect it. However, as time passes, its symptoms get worse and turn into chronic itching and scratching, which causes skin thickening.
The truth is this scratch-itch cycle can be vicious and, if not treated, cause additional skin thickening.
Causes
Lichen Simplex Chronicus, also common as neurodermatitis, can be triggered by something that irritates the skin. The following are the causes that can lead to a skin rash and itching:
- Insect bites
- Dry skin
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Psoriasis
- Anxiety and stress
Symptoms
After reviewing the causes, let’s look at the symptoms of LSC so that you are aware of the signs you need to be alert to.
Symptoms include:
- Itchy skin
- Dark red spots on the skin
- Raised, rough patches
- Discolored, wrinkled genital skin
- Thick, leathery skin
- Skin lesion
The areas most commonly affected sites include:
- Wrists
- Ankles
- Genitals
- Upper eyelids
- Neck
- Forearm
- Elbow crease
- Genitals
- Upper eyelids
- The outer side of your calf
Who is at Risk?
Lichen simplex chronicus is not restricted to one nation, it can occur in people of any age, ethnicity, or sex. However, it is more common in women with a ratio of 2:1.
Additionally, it most commonly occurs in mid-late adulthood, with the highest frequency in people aged 30–50 years.
Common Risk Factors
Though this skin problem is curable, sometimes, people don’t give it timely attention, which results in worse skin conditions.
That is why you must be aware of the few factors that can work wrong and become the major reason for the condition.
Factors that can increase the risk of Lichen Simplex Chronicus include:
- Other skin conditions. The risk factor of the problem is always higher in people who have other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. So be careful, and don’t neglect the condition.
- Family history. People with a family history of hay fever, eczema as a child, or asthma may be more likely to get LSC.
- Anxiety disorders. Anxiety and emotional stress can be other factors that trigger neurodermatitis. The problem can result in Permanent changes in skin color and permanent scarring.
The skin problem is common in many people. If we talk about numbers, it has been estimated that this occurs in approximately 12% of the population.
The number shows the problem needs attention and more study to be done so that it can be stopped before it becomes problematic.
So, for students who are interested in learning more details about the issue, its symptoms, solutions, preventative measures, and other hidden facts, it’s best to enrol in our dermatology course.
About Dermatology Course
Dr. Rashmi Sarkar and Dr. S. Sacchidanand, the chief editors of E-learning Dermatology MD, created this course. To create the best of all, they collaborated with 78 eminent faculties in India, which means the course includes the knowledge of different people who have their own experience in the subject.
The course includes online video lectures on dermatology, evidence-based studies, and clinical presentation/histopathological images within each topic. All these resources make it convenient for students to understand things in depth.
So when are you planning to enroll in our MD in Dermatology course?
