This image displays thickening of the skin typical of lichen simplex chronicus. This image displays thickening of the skin with pronounced skin lines and some scaling on the neck typical of lichen simplex chronicus. Lichen simplex chronicus is caused by rubbing and scratching an area of skin. This child has been rubbing or scratching the area between the heel and the ankle, leading to dark, rough areas of thickened skin known as lichen simplex chronicus.
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Lichen Simplex Chronicus  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Lichen Simplex Chronicus: This image displays thickening of the skin typical of lichen simplex chronicus. Divider line
This image displays thickening of the skin typical of lichen simplex chronicus.
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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. Itching leads to scratching and rubbing, which causes thickening of skin. Thickened skin is itchy, which causes more scratching and, thus, more skin thickening. This scratch-itch cycle then continues if it is not treated.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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