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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffProlonged itching and scratching may increase the intensity of the itch, possibly leading to neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus). Neurodermatitis is a condition in which an area of skin that's frequently scratched becomes thick and leathery. The patches can be raw, red or darker than the rest of your skin. Persistent scratching can also lead to a bacterial skin infection and permanent scars or changes in skin color.
- Weston WL, et al. Overview of dermatitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 2, 2009.
- Cohen DE, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2966976. Accessed April 6, 2009.
- Habif TP. Contact dermatitis and patch testing. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/130085313-3/0/1195/18.html?tocnode=51440089&fromURL=18.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50006-6_242. Accessed April 6, 2009.
- Wetter DA, et al. Patch test results from the Mayo Clinic Contact Dermatitis Group, 1998-2000. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2005;53:416.
- Kaplan LA. Exposure to radiation from the sun. In: Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/130085313-5/0/1483/133.html?tocnode=54234968&fromURL=133.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03228-5..50019-7_767. Accessed April 6, 2009.
