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.
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Lichen Simplex Chronicus:
Information for adults

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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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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.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

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