Lichen simplex
Lichen simplex is a condition involving thickening of the skin in response to repeated rubbing or scratching of an itchy dermatitis. It often occurs on the extensor aspects of the forearms, but can also occur on the neck, arms, groin, lower legs or ankles.
Use potent topical corticosteroids to penetrate the thickened skin and break the itch–scratch cycle:
1betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment topically, once or twice daily until skin is clear or for up to 4 weeks betamethasone dipropionate betamethasone dipropionate betamethasone dipropionate
OR
1betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment topically, once or twice daily until skin is clear or for up to 4 weeks betamethasone valerate betamethasone valerate betamethasone valerate
OR
1mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment topically, once or twice daily until skin is clear or for up to 4 weeks. mometasone furoate mometasone furoate mometasone furoate
If there is no response, use a more potent topical corticosteroid, and also consider using an occlusive dressing. Use:
betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment in optimised vehicle topically, once or twice daily until skin is clear or for up to 2 weeks. betamethasone dipropionate betamethasone dipropionate betamethasone dipropionate
If the condition still does not resolve with a more potent topical corticosteroid, refer for dermatologist advice. See also Lack of response to treatment of dermatitis.