Lichen Simplex Chronicus (LSC) or neurodermatitis circumscripta is caused by scratching certain parts of the body repeatedly over a long period of time. This chronic scratching thickens and discolors the skin of the scratched area.
Lichen Simplex Chronicus is an end result of a vicious cycle. It begins with the itch on a skin area. Repeated skin thickens the area. The thickened skin induces more itches in and around the surrounding area and spreads. This itch cycle can continue if not treated.
If you recognize the condition early then you can easily get rid of lichen simplex chronicus with natural treatment, otherwise you may need steroid to clear it at later stages.
Neurodermatitis or lichen simplex chronicus is not a life threatening condition, but stopping the itching cycle can be a big challenge. It is a condition of adults. It rarely occurs in children.
The process of itching to thickening of skin is called lichenification.
This condition occurs more often with the people who are already suffering from eczema or other skin diseases such as psoriasis or fungal infections. Other people can also develop the condition.
Most common skin areas that are affected by Neurodermatitis are scalp, neck, wrists, upper forearms and ankles.
Treatment of LSC is very difficult. It takes many weeks before the skin becomes normal that is if it responds to a particular treatment.
Natural Treatment
You can get rid of lichen simplex chronicus by taking a well disciplined step by step approach.
The best way forward is to learn to manage it in such a way that it doesn’t spread and finally gets cured on its own. This requires tremendous will power and discipline. That can be very difficult or almost impossible for most people.
Step 1. Stop Scratching the Itch
It is not easy to stop temptation to scratch the itch. Subconsciously your hands will move and do it. So, consciously you have to win over your subconscious and avoid scratching at any cost.
Any subconscious habit requires tremendous conscious effort to change it. It is a huge challenge and requires strong will power and a mechanism to remember to avoid scratching during the itch.
Step2. Find out the Triggers and Avoid Them
The next step is to find out what is causing the itch. The trigger for the scratch must be identified and dealt with.
Habit of hot water bath must be changed to cold water bath. This itself can be a challenge, but is lesser challenge then changing the habit of scratching the itch. Cold baths will reduce your itch. You can develop the habit of cold bath within a week.
This is a one act change. So, every time you enter the bathroom, make sure that you don't have the option to have a hot bath available.
Another activity during the bath and throughout the day to change is the use of soap. Stop using any kind of soap for any body wash. You can use soap free body wash.
With these two major changes in your lifestyle, your problem will almost be reduced to 50 %. Your urge to itch will dramatically fall.
Step 3. Apply Natural Moisturizers
You can also focus on other natural remedies to reduce the itch.
Applying moisturizers can control some of the urge. Natural moisturizers such as Aloe Vera Gel and essential oils are the best way to reduce the sedation of itch.
Menthol containing cooling creams or talcum powders can also help reduce the urge to itch.
Do all the above suggested changes and you should be free of Lichen Simplex Chronicus within the next 4-6 weeks.
Remember, your condition is not normal. Therefore, you require strict discipline to deal with it. If you don't, then it will keep growing and will become more difficult to treat.
If the condition is already too bad then medical attention is required for Lichen Simplex Chronicus. Since the medical treatment may include high strength steroid creams, it needs to be monitored under supervision to avoid more serious side effects life skin cancer.