Q What is lichen simplex and what causes it?

A

Also known as neurodermatitis, lichen simplex is a skin condition resulting from repeated scratching/rubbing – the initial itchy patch becomes chronically thickened and inflamed. The primary itch from eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus, fungal infection, insect bite or local nerve damage occurs in women and men, and commonly affects people with anxiety disorders. The thickened, itchy patch may be pigmented with scales, broken hairs and signs of scratching. Often, it’s a solitary patch but multiple ones can occur, affecting the back of the neck, wrists, lower legs, vulva or scrotum. Your doctor may arrange skin scrapings to exclude fungal infection, or even a biopsy. Treatments must address the itching, as well as underlying causes, so may include steroid creams with occlusive dressings, steroid injections, coal tar preparations, moisturisers, cooling menthol creams, antihistamines or specific treatments for underlying conditions.