Lichen Simplex Chronicus: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
If you experience chronic itchiness of the skin, you could be suffering from Lichen Simplex Chronicus. This skin condition is characterized by constant itching and scratching. Read on to learn more about what causes this uncomfortable condition, what symptoms may indicate you have it, and what options you have for treating it.
Causes of Lichen Simplex Chronicus
This chronic and uncomfortable condition stems from chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, which is a weakening of the valves in the veins that carry blood from the feet to the heart. This weakening can cause the blood to back up or settle in the veins, a condition called venous reflux. This causes the itching that sets off the cycle of itching, scratching and skin damage. Unfortunately, this cause is often missed by both primary physicians and dermatologists, simply because they’re not familiar with CVI. The CVI must be treated first in order for the skin lesions to be eliminated. A doctor well-versed with CVI, such as a vein specialist, can recognize this cause and treat both it and lichen simplex chronicus.
Lichen Simplex Chronicus is not created by emotional causes as people think. If you look this condition up online, you will find that it says some people have mental or emotional causes to develop this condition. Well, the itching and then scratching of this skin is not simply a skin condition, but a systematic disease with skin manifestations. Lichen Simplex Chronicus is a condition causing itches and thickening of skin at that areas of skin injured. This condition is the skin’s response to chronic physical trauma. It mainly affects adults and can involve any portion of the body, but is often found on wrists, ankles, oral and genital tissues. Lichen Simplex Chronicus is experienced as a recurrent rash and is presented by small, flat, polygonal bumps that sometimes grow together into rough, scaly plaques on the skin. It is often thought to look like psoriasis or eczema, which often leads to it being mistreated. Lichen Simplex Chronicus is due to venous insufficiency that causes luckenification or skin thickening.
Symptoms of Lichen Simplex Chronicus
This condition is often a cycle, in that it starts with irritation that causes the person to scratch their skin. The more they scratch their skin, the more it itches. Plus, the constant scratching causes other problems such as thickening of the skin. The itch can travel through the whole body and make you feel everywhere itches. Typical symptoms include: ongoing itching, often intense. The skin may also become raw or scaly, and may eventually develop a leathery appearance. Skin lesions can sores can also occur.
Treatment Options for Lichen Simplex Chronicus
This skin condition is often treated with simply applying cortisone creams or even injecting cortisone, which is not going to cure the lesion. However, Dr. Kaveh at Alpha Vein Clinic who specializes in the treatment of venous diseases have been very progressive and successful in treating thousands of insufficient veins. We have had many grateful patients who finally had their LSC lesions cured.
At Alpha Vein Clinic, we can diagnose your skin condition and develop a customized treatment plan that will alleviate your discomfort. Make an appointment today and let our skilled and caring staff get you on the road to better skin health.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661