home conditions lichen simplex

This is a chronic very itchy disorder of the skin. Usually appearing as a solitary patch and more common in women. It can occur at any age but very common between 35-50 years old, and is psychological in origin.

Patches of thickened, itchy, and sometimes discoloured skin caused by repeated scratching. Sufferers often rub the patches when agitated or under stressful circumstances, often without even being aware of doing so.

A cycle establishes itself where repeated scratching leads to thickening of the skin, which leads to more scratching and more thickening.

Any area of the body can be affected but common areas are the neck, sacrum, genitals, legs, arms (below the elbow). A chronic disease usually of many years duration. Intensely itchy with scratching that leads to soreness and relief for several hours.

Traditional Chinese names include "ox skin Dermatosis", "collar sore", "stubborn Dermatosis", "dry Dermatosis".

Chinese Herbal Medicine can be effective in the treatment of this disease.

The treatment available via biomedicine are potent topical steroids or locally injected steroids. Antihistamine drugs are also used. Bandages may be used to protect the skin and to try and break the cycle and allow the disorder to subside.

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