Neurodermatitis: a skin condition that affects surgical wound healing

Neurodermatitis, or lichen simplex chronicus, generally found in females between the ages of 25 and 55 years, is highly inflammatory and may become generalized. The patients are hypersensitive and are not good candidates for surgery as a Köbner-like phenomenon may occur at the site of the incision with consequent breakdown of the incision, wound dehiscence, and infection. If these patients are to respond normally to treatment, it is sometimes necessary for the surgeon to treat their tensions.