View source for Lichen simplex chronicus

[[File:Lichen Simplex Chronicus (Vidal) Schienbein.JPG|thumb|Macroscopic picture of lichen simplex chronicus on the shin]]
'''Lichen simplex chronicus''' ('''prurigo nodularis''') is a secondary skin disease caused by chronic scratching. The primary change is any itching with an urge to scratch. Chronic mechanical irritation of the skin gradually leads to thickening and other changes (''lichenification'').
==Clinical picture==
The lesions are usually scaly, thickened, with moderate erythema and relatively well circumscribed. Secondary changes (lichenification, excoriation and crusting) are common. A raised itchy nodule is usually referred to as prurigo nodularis.
==Histopathological picture==
[[File:Lichen simplex chronicus - high mag.jpg|thumb|Microscopic image, HE staining]]
The main histopathological finding is distinct psoriatiform [[acanthosis]]. Hyperkeratosis is common, sometimes massive. [[Hyperkeratotic]] changes can have the character of [[orthokeratosis]] or [[parakeratosis]]. [[Spongiosis]] is usually only minimal and focal, and may be completely absent. Beneath the epidermis there can be varying degrees of fibrosis.
==Links==
===Literature===
*{{Cite
 | type = book
 | title = Sternberg's Diagnostic Surgical Pathology
 | surname1 = Mills
 | name1 = S.E.
 | colective = yes
 | publisher = Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
 | edition = 5
 | year = 2012
 | isbn = 9781451152890 
}}
*{{Cite
 | type = web
 | surname1 = Hogen
 | name1 = DJ
 | surname2 = Mason
 | name2 = SH
 | surname3 = Hruby
 | name3 = SH
 | source_name = Lichen Simplex Chronicus
 | publisher = Medscape
 | url = https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1123423-overview
 | cited = 24.2.2015
}}
[[Category:Dermatology]] [[Category:Pathology]]