What can you do against a red itchy plaque?
Such a red itchy plaque may be consistent with a lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) It is a chronic, intensely red itchy plaque on the skin and is caused by repeated scratching of the skin. This can happen compulsively, but also unconsciously (especially during sleep or at work during a meeting). The itch is often worst at the end of the day and at rest (when there are no other distracting stimuli).
The condition occurs in both men and women, especially those with dark skin. Lifetime between the ages of 30-50. Lichen Simplex Chronicus commonly occurs in typical sites: the neck, arms, buttocks, scrotum, and lower legs, especially above the ankles. Clinically, they are quite sharply demarcated with rough patches of crusting and scaling.
How does such a red itchy plaque arise?
Lichen simplex chronicus often develops after a person has gone through an emotional or stressful period. As a result, the skin is picked or picked. A skin condition such as eczema or dry skin can cause itching and lead to lichen simplex chronicus. Other causes include insect stings, after a herpes zoster and varicose veins. A relationship between the use of lithium, an anti-manic depression drug, and lichen simplex chronicus has been described.
Scratching is not a problem at first, but if the skin is scratched open, wounds occur. Healing of wounds causes itching again. And so the patient enters an itch-scratch-cure-itch cycle. More on puritus
Self-care tips for home
Keep your nails short. Tapping or pressing the skin can also temporarily reduce itching.
Don’t scratch, no matter how hard it is. Scratching irritates the skin and itches again. Make sure you don’t get the chance to scratch unknowingly either. You can do this by applying a patch or film to the itchy areas before going to bed. If you then scratch at night, the skin is protected and the healing process can continue.
It takes about 3-8 weeks for the skin to heal, depending on the size of the blemish and when the blemish appeared. Do not stop the treatment too soon, but continue for another 2 weeks to ensure that the skin has completely calmed down and the problem does not start again.
Do not shower too hot and do not use soap products or shower gel. These products can disrupt the skin barrier and dry out the skin more. Your protective sebum layer is stripped away by both water and soap products and disrupts your skin acidity. More about your skin acidity
If you find that the repeated scratching is also due to psychological factors, such as emotion or stress, you can refer your doctor to a psychologist.
What is best to hydrate?
Hydrate the skin well. Dry skin itches more. More on dry skin. Use a fuller cream, ointment, skin oil or acid vaseline. Preferably no skin lotions because the skin can dry out more. The composition of a lotion contains relatively more water compared to an ointment, cream or oil. The water in the lotion evaporates on the skin. Evaporation drains more moisture from the skin leading to drier skin.
Iconic Elements Natural Moisturizer cream:
Our Natural Moisturizer Cream with a triple effect. This body cream is infused with natural balm, ceramide/squalane and glycerin to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Enjoy excellent hydration for your entire body and keep your skin supple and hydrated, even in colder climates.
Skin ingredients that boost your natural skin barrier include Niacinamide (vitamin B3), signal peptide (more on peptides), Allantoin, Avena sativa (oat extract), glycyrrhizin (licorice root) and laminaria ochroleuca (kombu – golden kelp).
While you are here
If you have received several creams for a dermatological treatment, it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly which cream to use for what. How do you combine a hormone ointment, antibiotic ointment and skin care creams? Read more about: Applying multiple creams at once, how to do it?
