Lichen simplex chronicus - A Psychocutaneous disorder?

Lichen simplex chronicus is classified as a skin disorder determined or influenced by emotional factors. This study was conducted to determine the involvement of the psyche in this psychocutaneous disorder. Forty six patients of lichen simplex chronicus were chosen for this study. The severity of pruritus was rated on a 10 point scale. They then underwent a psychiatric interview using the Hamilton anxiety-depression scale to quantitate their mental state. The numerical values of anxiety and depression did not exceed 50% of the measuring scale. This could be due to the ′venting′ or exteriorisation of the inner turmoil, in this case by itching. The correlation between anxiety and pruritus and that of depression and pruritus was studied and it was surmised that depression may be related to pruritus compared to anxiety.