Self-Care Guidelines
- The primary treatment is to stop scratching. However, this can be very difficult once a scratch-itch cycle has started. Areas of lichen simplex chronicus may need to be covered at night, as many people scratch in their sleep.
- Use moisturizers to help relieve itchy skin. When choosing a moisturizer, look for oil-based creams and ointments, which work better than water-based lotions. Apply moisturizers just after bathing, while the skin is still moist.
- Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to decrease the itch. However, if the itching is limited to the groin area, you may have a fungal infection (jock itch [tinea cruris]) rather than lichen simplex chronicus. Do not apply hydrocortisone to the groin area unless recommended to do so by a doctor.
- If there are breaks or cracks in the skin, apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your doctor if the itching does not improve with self-care measures, if you are developing more lesions, or if you develop symptoms of infection such as pain, redness, drainage of pus, or fever.
Signs and Symptoms
