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LICHEN SIMPLEX (Neurodermatitis)
A chronic inflammatory skin condition that is, typically, a patch of thickened skin caused by repeated scratching or rubbing. This lichenification may be secondary to a pruritic dermatosis that is the result of an unknown trigger or irritant. It can occur on the nape of the neck (typically seen in females), wrists, elbows, ankles and ano-genital region and around the eyes. In extreme cases it may spread to the limbs.
During the early stages the skin is reddened and slightly blistered. As these sysmptoms subside the central area becomes scaly and thickened and sometimes pigmented (brown in colour).
Itching is severe and worse at night. Scratching of this itch in turn exacerbates the condition. The scratching, however, may also be a habit or a response to stress, nervous tension etc.
Friction with clothing can also aggravate the area.
In severe cases itching combined with CONSTANT and VIGOROUS scratching can lead to bloody erosion, crusts and the risk of secondary infections.
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