What is lichenification, and what are its symptoms?

Dec 21, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, lichenification is a skin lesion that may present with symptoms such as thickened skin, deepened skin texture, itching, color changes, dryness, and scaling. The thickening of the stratum corneum and pigmentation in lichenified skin may lead to color changes, typically appearing as grayish-brown or dark brown. These color changes may be confined to the affected area or may spread to surrounding skin.

Normally, lichenification is a type of skin lesion that may present symptoms such as thickened skin, deepened skin texture, itching, color changes, dryness, and flaking. It is recommended to visit a hospital to determine the cause and follow medical advice for treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. What is Lichenification?

Lichenification is a localized skin lesion caused by abnormal proliferation and hyperkeratosis of the skin's stratum corneum. This lesion may result from long-term scratching, friction, or chronic irritation due to certain skin diseases. From a histological perspective, lichenification may exhibit various changes, including proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes, thickening of the dermal papillary layer, and infiltration of inflammatory cells.

2. Symptoms of Lichenification

1. Thickened Skin: Skin keratinocytes and stratum corneum proliferation caused by long-term scratching or irritation in lichenification can lead to thickened skin, which may have a leathery or bark-like texture and feels rough to the touch.

2. Deepened Skin Texture: The proliferation of the stratum corneum and structural changes in the skin may significantly deepen the skin texture in lichenification, with widened skin ridges, making the skin appear rough and uneven.

3. Itching: The itching in lichenification may be related to impaired skin barrier function caused by thickened skin and altered texture, as well as hypersensitivity of nerve endings. Patients may experience intense itching.

4. Color Changes: Thickening of the stratum corneum and pigmentation in lichenified skin may cause color changes, typically appearing as grayish-brown or dark-brown discoloration. Color changes may be confined to the affected area or spread to surrounding skin.

5. Dryness and Flaking: Impaired skin barrier function in lichenified skin leads to increased moisture loss and reduced skin hydration, resulting in dryness and flaking, which may further exacerbate itching and discomfort.

During the recovery period, patients should maintain skin cleanliness, avoid excessive scratching and friction, and promote skin recovery and health.

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