Lichen Simplex Chronicus Questions & Answers

Updated: Aug 20, 2020
  • Author: Jason Schoenfeld, MD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

What is the relationship between lichen simplex chronicus (LCS) and lichen amyloidosis?

What is the pathophysiology of lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

What is the role of P-phenylenediamine (PPD) in the pathophysiology of lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

How does atopic dermatitis affect the probability of developing lichen simplex chronicus?

What are other common causes of lichen simplex chronicus?

What is the role of neurodermatitis in lichen simplex chronicus?

Which medications can trigger lichen simplex chronicus?

Can PPD in hair dye cause lichen simplex chronicus?

What is the role of long-term exposure to street traffic exhaust in lichen simplex chronicus?

What is secondary lichenification in lichen simplex chronicus?

How common is lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

What are the race-related demographics of lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

Is lichen simplex chronicus (LCS) more common in men or women?

What are the age-related demographics of lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

What is the prognosis of lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

What is the mortality of lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

What is the morbidity of lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

What causes secondary infection in lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

How clinically apparent is lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

How are patients educated about lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

Presentation

Where does thickening of the skin typically occur in lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

When is erythema noted in lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

How is pruritus characterized in patients with lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

What is the role of chronic skin conditions in lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

How are plaques characterized in lichen simplex chronicus (LCS)?

How are pigmentary changes characterized in the plaques of lichen simplex chronicus?

How does rubbing the skin contribute to lesion formation in lichen simplex chronicus?

What is the relationship between lichen simplex chronicus and cutaneous horns?

What behaviors may a patient exhibit during an exam for lichen simplex chronicus?

Which noncutaneous conditions are associated with lichen simplex chronicus?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Lichen Simplex Chronicus?

Workup

Which lab studies are used in the workup of lichen simplex chronicus?

How is patch testing used in the workup of lichen simplex chronicus?

Which procedures are used in the workup of lichen simplex chronicus?

What histologic findings are associated with lichen simplex chronicus?

Treatment

What is the goal of lichen simplex chronicus treatment?

What is the treatment of choice for lichen simplex chronicus?

How are oral antianxiety medications and sedation used in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus?

When are antibiotics indicated in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus?

When is topical aspirin/dichloromethane indicated in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus?

Which medications may be useful in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus in patients who do not respond to topical corticosteroids?

What is the role of botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus?

What is the role of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus?

When is consultation with a dermatologist indicated in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus?

When is consultation with an allergist indicated in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus?

When is consultation with a psychiatrist indicated in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus?

How does the prevention of scratching help the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus?

How do extreme temperatures, humidity, and stress affect the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus?

What is the long-term monitoring in patients with lichen simplex chronicus?

Medications

What are the goals of drug treatment for lichen simplex chronicus?

Which medications in the drug class Neuromuscular Blocker Agent, Toxin are used in the treatment of Lichen Simplex Chronicus?

Which medications in the drug class Immune Modulator are used in the treatment of Lichen Simplex Chronicus?

Which medications in the drug class Immunosuppressant Agent are used in the treatment of Lichen Simplex Chronicus?

Which medications in the drug class Antipruritic agents are used in the treatment of Lichen Simplex Chronicus?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Lichen Simplex Chronicus?