Acupuncture treats Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) has two main symptoms that are equally aggravating to most patients. The first is a thickening of the skin with creation of scales. This is caused by the second symptom, itching. Thickening of the skin, or lichenification, is caused by repeated scratching and rubbing. Scratching causes a “mechanical trauma” that leads to the skin trying to defend itself by becoming thicker.
The key to treatment of lichem simplex chronicus is to break the itch-scratch cycle. The combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are powerful to stop itch because it works from the inside out and the outside in. From a Western biomedical perspective, Acupuncture stops itch by blocking nerve signals. From a Chinese medicine standpoint, it stops itch by settling the body’s systems and nourishing the skin. Chinese herbal medicine to stop itch can be taken internally and also applied to the affected skin where the itch is felt.
What is Lichen Simplex Chronicus, what causes it and what are the symptoms?
Lichen simplex chronicus, also known as neurodermatitis and LSC, is caused when by thickening of the skin in response to scratching and itch sensation. The problem is scratching makes the area even itchier. The thickening of the skin is a way the skin can defend itself from being scratched so often, most of the time without even realizing you’re scratching. The skin can become so thick it takes on the appearance of leather. This is why it is so important to break the itch-scratch cycle.
Lichen simplex is more common in people who have eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, and anxiety or depression.
People with lichen simplex chronicus have areas that have developed “pruritic plaques,” or itchy areas of thickening in plain English, in multiples areas. The most commonly affected areas are the scalp, nape of the neck, forearms and elbows, external vagina and testicles, upper thighs, and ankles. In reality, any area that a person can reach can develop lichen simplex chronicus. When lesions first develop, they are often red. Itching is worse when a person is at rest and generally not noticeable when active.
How does acupuncture treat Lichen Simplex Chronicus?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine helps to calm inflammation, stop itch, reduce redness and heal the skin. It is important to use both acupuncture and herbal medicine together to get stop itch and get other symptom relief too.
The major difference between Chinese medicine treatments and Western medicine treatments is the amount of time you need to spend being treated. My ultimate goal is to treat you successfully and then send you on your way within 6 to 9 months, and not need to keep getting treated. Treatment with Western medications is usually a lifelong commitment if you don’t want symptoms to return. I use acupuncture and herbal medicine to rebalance your body so you won’t need to keep getting treated forever. The reason this is possible because I treat the individual instead of using cookie-cutter treatment plans.
Because each person is unique, I custom tailor acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbal medicine formulas exactly to you. Each person is unique, each set of symptoms is unique and each treatment is unique. I have completed additional studies in dermatology so I can be able to provide individualized treatments like these.
To make an appointment with for treatment, please go to the Appointments page. If you have further questions, feel free to ask through the Contact page.