This disease is characterized by an "intense itching sensation which, in the long run, determines skin alterations, such as dryness, peeling, discoloration and plaques. Through pathophysiological mechanisms not yet fully known, the act of scratching triggers greater itching. helping to maintain an itch-scratch-itch vicious cycle. Over time, the continuous scratching that self-maintains the disorder leads to skin thickening of the areas involved (lichenification).
In chronic lichen simplex, the initial urge to scratch may be the consequence of an underlying dermatosis (such as, for example, atopy, contact dermatitis, or parasitic infestations) or other conditions, including psychological distress and anxiety disorders. However, chronic lichen simplex occurs without apparent cause.
The management of the disorder consists in the adoption of some behavioral measures aimed at resisting the urge to scratch and in the prevention of triggering factors (eg situations of nervousness, atopy, etc.), in combination with a systemic and / or topical drug therapy . Corticosteroids and antihistamines usually help control itching.
, thorax, scalp and anogenital region.
