At Almasi Skincare we offer the best lichen simplex chronicus treatment which combines the use of prescription medications, over-the-counter products and lifestyle modifications.
What Is Lichen Simplex Chronicus?
Lichen simplex chronicus is a type of eczema which is also known as neurodermatitis.
What Causes Lichen Simplex Chronicus?
The cause of lichen simplex chronicus is itching of the skin. This itching can develop on normal skin or it can be triggered by the following:
*Skin diseases like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis
*Psychiatric diseases like anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder
*Other diseases like uremia, polycythemia vera, cancer
*Insect bites
*Stress
What Are The Symptoms Of Lichen Simplex Chronicus?
Symptoms of lichen simplex chronicus include 1 or 2 patches of itchy, raised, leathery skin which usually develops on the scalp, neck, legs and other parts of the body.
Lichen Simplex Chronicus Diagnosis
Lichen simplex chronicus diagnosis is made after our Doctor listens to the patient’s history and examines their skin. The diagnosis can be confirmed by doing a Skin Biopsy.
Lichen Simplex Chronicus Treatment
The best treatment for lichen simplex chronicus treatment is one that combines prescription medications with over-the-counter products and lifestyle modifications which deal with the triggers of lichen simplex chronicus like stress and insect bites.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications used to treat lichen simplex chronicus include the following:
*Steroid creams since the first line treatment for lichen simplex is a corticosteroid cream like Clobetasol 0.05% ointment or mometasone. These are the steroids which treat lichen simplex chronicus for around 3 weeks before they are tapered.
*Antihistamines may also be prescribed. Examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Atarax)
*Antibiotics are prescribed if the lesions have bacterial infections.
*Psychiatric pharmacotherapy is prescribed if there is underlying anxiety, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Examples include tri-cyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Vulvar lichen simplex chronicus treatment involves using medium-potency steroid creams like triamcinolone and moisturizing with emollients like emulsifying ointment. Precipitating factors like dryness and tight under clothes should be avoided. Underlying conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis and lichen planus should be treated. Lichen simplex chronicus vulvar treatment should also include wearing cotton or silk underwear since they are less irritating to the skin.
Over-The-Counter Products
Moisturizing ointments like Nationwide Emulsifying Ointment are used to treat lichen simplex chronicus. Emulsifying Ointment softens and soothes the skin. It also prevent water loss from the skin by forming a protective barrier on the skin which locks in moisture.
Emulsifying Ointment is one of the best lichen simplex chronicus cream because it does not irritate the skin as it is fragrance free and color free.
Emulsifying Ointment can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Whatsapp +254 721 963 156 for countrywide delivery.
Ovelle Emulsifying Ointment can be purchased from Amazon.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications used to treat lichen simplex chronicus include the following:
*Bandaging the area to reduce subconscious scratching.
*Managing stress by practicing relaxation techniques like abdominal breathing and meditation. Click here to learn about our Stress Management Workshops and buy stress relief items from our Self Care Shop.
FAQ
Does Lichen Simplex Chronicus Go Away?
Lichen simplex chronicus goes away if corticosteroid creams and moisturizers are used as prescribed and its triggers avoided.
How Do You Treat Lichen Simplex Chronicus At Home?
Lichen simplex chronicus treatment at home includes the use of gentle cleansers that do not strip moisture from the skin like Dove Soap. Emollients like Emulsifying Ointment should also be applied several times during the day. The affected area should also be covered to reduce subconscious scratching.
Does Lichen Simplex Chronicus Cause Cancer?
Yes, lichen simplex chronicus can transform into cancer due to the frequent itching which causes the skin cells to change and become squamous cell carcinoma or verrucous carcinoma.
Contact our Doctor today for the best lichen simplex chronicus treatment.