Lichen Simplex Chronicus 

  • Author: Daniel J Hogan, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Apr 20, 2012
 

Background

Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is thickening of the skin with variable scaling that arises secondary to repetitive scratching or rubbing. Lichen simplex chronicus is not a primary process. Rather, a person senses pruritus in a specific area of skin (with or without underlying pathology) and causes mechanical trauma to the point of lichenification.

A proposed variant of lichen simplex chronicus is lichen amyloidosis. Lichen amyloidosis is described as lichen simplex chronicus in which the keratinocytes have necrosed and formed keratinocytic-derived amyloid in the dermis. The initial insult is pruritus with resultant amyloid formation, rather than the reverse.[1, 2]

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Pathophysiology

Lichen simplex chronicus is found on the skin in regions accessible to scratching. Pruritus provokes rubbing that produces clinical lesions, but the underlying pathophysiology is unknown. Some skin types are more prone to lichenification, such as skin that tends toward eczematous conditions (ie, atopic dermatitis, atopic diathesis). A relationship likely exists between central and peripheral neural tissue and inflammatory cell products in the perception of itch and ensuing changes in lichen simplex chronicus. Emotional tensions in predisposed subjects may play a key role in inducing a pruritic sensation, leading to scratching that can become self-perpetuating.[3] The possible interplay among primary lesions, psychic factors, and the intensity of pruritus additively influence the extent and severity of lichen simplex chronicus.

A small study looking at lichen simplex chronicus and the use of P-phenylenediamine (PPD)–containing hair dye showed clinically relevant improvement in symptoms after discontinuation of PPD exposure, thus providing a basis for the role of sensitization and contact dermatitis in the etiology of lichen simplex chronicus.

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Epidemiology

Frequency

International

Exact frequency in the general population is unknown. In one study, 12% of aging patients with pruritic skin had lichen simplex chronicus.

Mortality/Morbidity

No mortality occurs as a result of lichen simplex chronicus. Overall, pruritus of lichen simplex chronicus is mild to moderate, but paroxysms may occur that are relieved by moderate-to-severe rubbing and scratching. Pruritus is usually described as much worse during periods of inactivity, usually at bedtime and during the night. Touch and emotional stress also may provoke pruritus, which is relieved by moderate-to-severe rubbing and scratching.

  • Lesions cause little direct morbidity; however, occasionally patients report decreased or interrupted sleep, which affects motor and mental functioning.
  • Lichen simplex chronicus SC may become secondarily infected after excoriation.
  • Lichen simplex chronicus is often visible enough to cause patients to seek treatment.

Race

No differences are reported in frequency among races, although prior authors claimed lichen simplex chronicus was more common in Asians and African Americans. The appearance of lesions on darker skin sometimes shows follicular prominence. Secondary pigmentary alterations are also more severe in individuals with darker skin.

Sex

Lichen simplex chronicus is observed more commonly in females than in males. Lichen nuchae is a form of lichen simplex that occurs on the midposterior neck and is observed almost exclusively in women.

Age

Lichen simplex chronicus occurs mostly in mid-to-late adulthood, with highest prevalence in persons aged 30-50 years.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Daniel J Hogan, MD  Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Investigator, Hill Top Research, Florida Research Center

Daniel J Hogan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, and Canadian Dermatology Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Stephen H Mason  MD

Stephen H Mason is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Skin Cancer Foundation, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Siobahn M Bower, MD  Internal Medicine Physician, Boys Town National Research Hospital

Siobahn M Bower, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

James J Nordlund, MD  Professor Emeritus, Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

James J Nordlund, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Sigma Xi, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Richard P Vinson, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey Meffert, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Jeffrey Meffert, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE  Medical Director, Clinical Studies Unit, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Associate Scholar, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE is a member of the following medical societies: Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: AMGEN Consulting fee Consulting; AMGEN Grant/research funds Investigator; Genentech Grant/research funds investigator; Centocor Consulting fee Consulting; Abbott Grant/research funds investigator; Abbott Consulting fee Consulting; Novartis investigator; Pfizer Grant/research funds investigator; Celgene Consulting fee DMC Chair; NIAMS and NHLBI Grant/research funds investigator

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Plaque of lichen simplex chronicus demonstrating accentuated skin markings. Courtesy of San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Dermatology Program.
Area of lichen simplex chronicus originally believed to be chronic contact dermatitis. The true nature was revealed when the patient admitted to rubbing this area while watching television. Courtesy of San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Dermatology Program.
 
 
 
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