Thick, scaly, slightly elevated lesions with pronounced skin lines occur when the skin is repeatedly rubbed. This image displays thickening of the skin typical of lichen simplex chronicus. Chronic rubbing leads to thick, scaly skin lesions, as displayed here. This image displays very thick skin from being chronically rubbed. This image displays thick areas of skin on the forearms typical of lichen simplex chronicus. As displayed in this image, chronic rubbing and scratching can lead to darkening of the skin as well as skin thickening. This image displays an early, mild lesion of lichen simplex chronicus. In lichen simplex chronicus, the skin lines or markings are more pronounced than in normal skin. As displayed in this image, the top of the hand is a typical location for lichen simplex chronicus. This image displays scaly skin due to lichen simplex chronicus. This image displays a thickened, cobblestone-like area of lichen simplex, due to repeated rubbing of the area. Chronic rubbing or scratching of the same area leads to lichen simplex chronicus, with thickened, rough, and sometimes red, broken skin areas. Chronic rubbing in the genital region due to severe itch has led to these bumps, typical of lichen simplex chronicus.
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Lichen Simplex Chronicus  Information for adults

Picture of Lichen Simplex Chronicus: Thick, scaly, slightly elevated lesions with pronounced skin lines occur when the skin is repeatedly rubbed. Divider line
Thick, scaly, slightly elevated lesions with pronounced skin lines occur when the skin is repeatedly rubbed.
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Overview
Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC), also known as neurodermatitis circumscripta, is an itchy skin condition causing thickened skin at the areas of skin injured by repeated scratching and rubbing. Lichen simplex chronicus is not a primary disease but rather the skin's response to chronic physical injury (trauma). The gradual thickening of skin, caused by repetitive scratching and rubbing, is called lichenification.

Lichen simplex chronicus begins as itchy skin. The itching leads to scratching and rubbing, which causes thickening of skin. The thickened skin is itchy, which causes more scratching and, thus, more skin thickening. This scratch-itch cycle continues if not treated.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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