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Have Open Sores On Arms And Legs. Took Cephalexin And Methylprednisolone. Biopsy Showed Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Question: I have had open sores on my arms and legs for over a year. I have been on several courses of topical and oral drugs. Most recently cephalexin and methylprednisolone. Topically I use clobetasol and triamcinolone. I was taking dapsone, but was told to stop. Sometimes the sores appear as blisters, sometimes scabby sores. A biopsy revealed lichen simplex chronicus. So, far I have found no relief and the unsightly sores are causing me anxiety and stress. What is your opinion?
Brief Answer:
No worries for now, see dermatologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
Thanks for the detailed description. It is very important that you should be evaluated and treated by a dermatologist. Lichen simplex chronicus is actually treated with topical steroids. Steroids remain the treatment of choice. I would suggest you consult a dermatologist for evaluation and follow an appropriate steroid course for a normal (appropriate duration of time). It could take up to three months in very severe cases for clinical improvement to be obtained.
It is understandable that you might be anxious under such circumstances. Antianxiety drugs like Tranxene and Atarax could be useful with low doses and when given appropriately. I can reassure you that a good reevaluation by your dermatologist, compliance to treatment on your part and appropriate follow up could yield positive results. In case of persistence, other treatment options still exist like transcutaneuos electronic nerve stimulation and local Aspirin could be used. But this could be advisable if the treatment is under the supervision of the dermatologist.
It is not excluded that another infection / coinfection could be associated to the lichen simplex chronicus condition. I suggest you book an appointment with a dermatologist.
Feel free to ask further questions in case you need specific or particular answers. thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Bain LE, MD
No worries for now, see dermatologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
Thanks for the detailed description. It is very important that you should be evaluated and treated by a dermatologist. Lichen simplex chronicus is actually treated with topical steroids. Steroids remain the treatment of choice. I would suggest you consult a dermatologist for evaluation and follow an appropriate steroid course for a normal (appropriate duration of time). It could take up to three months in very severe cases for clinical improvement to be obtained.
It is understandable that you might be anxious under such circumstances. Antianxiety drugs like Tranxene and Atarax could be useful with low doses and when given appropriately. I can reassure you that a good reevaluation by your dermatologist, compliance to treatment on your part and appropriate follow up could yield positive results. In case of persistence, other treatment options still exist like transcutaneuos electronic nerve stimulation and local Aspirin could be used. But this could be advisable if the treatment is under the supervision of the dermatologist.
It is not excluded that another infection / coinfection could be associated to the lichen simplex chronicus condition. I suggest you book an appointment with a dermatologist.
Feel free to ask further questions in case you need specific or particular answers. thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Bain LE, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I have been under the care of a dermatologist for five months, taking oral and topical steroids, with no results. What is my next course of action? Where did this come from? How long will it take? It's been getting progressively worse over a year. I am scarring. I have been wearing long sleeves and pants for over a year, and I menopausal, not a good mix.
Brief Answer:
No worries yet.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
The good news about this condition is that it usually fades out on its own, even without treatment. The difference now comes at the level of the time taken to disappear, often difficult to predict or estimate.
Misdiagnosis of this condition should be taken care of . Psoriasis, eczema and ringworm might be taken for this disease. Inappropriate treatment will of course yield unsatisfactory results. Psychological problems, depression, anxiety issues could precipitate or aggravate its symptoms. It would there fore be advisable to consider it seriously also when managing this condition.
My suggestion is consulting another dermatologist, or the same if possible, for a reevaluation, another biopsy to confirm results and examine to carefully rule out other possible causes. Management of the psychological aspect, any specific mental issues you might have shall have to be carefully addressed.
Thanks and hope this helps as I wish you the best of health. Kind regards. In case of any worries, feel free asking.
Bain LE, MD
No worries yet.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
The good news about this condition is that it usually fades out on its own, even without treatment. The difference now comes at the level of the time taken to disappear, often difficult to predict or estimate.
Misdiagnosis of this condition should be taken care of . Psoriasis, eczema and ringworm might be taken for this disease. Inappropriate treatment will of course yield unsatisfactory results. Psychological problems, depression, anxiety issues could precipitate or aggravate its symptoms. It would there fore be advisable to consider it seriously also when managing this condition.
My suggestion is consulting another dermatologist, or the same if possible, for a reevaluation, another biopsy to confirm results and examine to carefully rule out other possible causes. Management of the psychological aspect, any specific mental issues you might have shall have to be carefully addressed.
Thanks and hope this helps as I wish you the best of health. Kind regards. In case of any worries, feel free asking.
Bain LE, MD
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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