Lichenification is a skin lesion caused by chronic irritation, often due to eczema. It can lead to thickening, scaling, and itching. Treatment includes medications, bandaging, and lifestyle changes. Consultation with a dermatologist may be necessary to prevent permanent damage.
Lichenification is a skin lesion that occurs in an area of chronic irritation. In this condition, the skin thickens in response to irritation and may develop a scaly, bark-like appearance. Sometimes the skin becomes shiny and oozing, and in other cases it can be dry and crusty. While lichenification isn’t usually dangerous, it can be painful and can attract unwanted attention if it’s in a visible location. With treatment, the itching and burning associated with these lesions can usually be relieved and the unsightly appearance improved.
A common reason this condition occurs is due to eczema, although it can also arise in response to other chronic skin conditions or even due to chronic rubbing and chafing. Lichenification is usually part of an itch-scratch cycle: The patient’s skin is irritated, so the patient scratches or picks at it, which causes the skin to thicken defensively, leading to more itching and more scratching. Breaking this cycle is often the key to solving the problem.
When this condition is identified, there are several steps that can be taken to address it. Medications to relieve the sensation of itching and sedatives can help the patient scratch less. Steroids can reduce the body’s inflammatory response and allow the skin to return to normal. Sometimes, the site may be bandaged to make it more difficult for the patient to scratch or scratch it without realizing it, and to aid in the absorption of any topical medications.
Chronic lichenification can lead to permanent skin changes. The area may acquire a leathery or scaly texture that doesn’t go away, even with treatment. Patients may also find that they are chronically itchy or lose sensation in the damaged area of skin. The treatment is designed to prevent permanent damage and to resolve skin irritation so that the patient feels more comfortable.
Consultation with a dermatologist may be required to treat lichenification. Your doctor may check your skin scrapings to check for infectious agents or other problems that could be complicating the skin lesion. After determining the cause, an appropriate course of treatment can be recommended. In addition to oral and topical medications, lifestyle modifications designed to promote healthier skin, such as dietary changes, may be suggested. People with autoimmune conditions may be at increased risk for skin reactions that can develop into lichenification and other skin changes that occur in response to chronic inflammation and irritation.
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