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Highlights & Basics
- Lichen simplex chronicus may occur as a primary process with no underlying dermatosis or as a secondary process due to an underlying pruritic dermatosis (such as atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis) or a systemic condition causing pruritus.
- Underlying psychological comorbidities may be present including depression, anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- A difficult to manage and often recurring condition that is treated with potent topical corticosteroids and sedating antihistamines.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Images
Secondary lichen simplex chronicus in the setting of atopic dermatitis
Secondary lichen simplex chronicus in the setting of atopic dermatitis
Low-power photomicrograph of lichen simplex chronicus (hematoxylin-eosin stain, x40)
Medium-power photomicrograph of lichen simplex chronicus (hematoxylin-eosin stain, x100)
High-power photomicrograph of lichen simplex chronicus (hematoxylin-eosin stain, x200)
Citations
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Primary Care Dermatology Society. Lichen simplex (syn. circumscribed neurodermatitis). Jun 2022 [internet publication].[Full Text]
van der Meijden WI, Boffa MJ, Ter Harmsel B, et al. 2021 European guideline for the management of vulval conditions. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022 Jul;36(7):952-72.[Abstract][Full Text]
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice bulletin no. 224: diagnosis and management of vulvar skin disorders. Jul 2020 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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7. Primary Care Dermatology Society. Lichen simplex (syn. circumscribed neurodermatitis). Jun 2022 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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30. Goldstein AT, Parneix-Spake A, McCormick CL, et al. Pimecrolimus cream 1% for treatment of vulvar lichen simplex chronicus: an open-label, preliminary trial. Gynecol Obstet Invest. 2007;64:180-186.[Abstract]
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