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