Etymed
lichenification
Definition
The development of thickened, leathery skin with increased skin markings, typically due to chronic rubbing or scratching
Clinical context
A 35-year-old woman presents with a 6-month history of intense itching and scratching in the axillary region. On examination, the skin appears thickened with exaggerated skin markings and a leathery texture. She reports that the symptoms worsen with stress and sweating. Physical examination reveals bilateral symmetric involvement of the axillae with significant lichenification.
Mnemonic
Lichenification = Lichen (thickened skin) + ICH (itching) + N (nocturnal) + I (irritation) + F (fixation)
These morphemes also unlock…
- lichen — tree moss; lichen (skin resembling moss)
- -ification — process of becoming