Scratching makes it even itchier. This itch-scratch cycle causes the affected skin to become thick and leathery. You may develop several itchy spots, typically on the neck, wrist, forearm, thigh or ankle. Neurodermatitis — also known as lichen simplex chronicus — is not life-threatening or contagious.

It can occur on normal skin of individuals with atopic, seborrheic, contact dermatitis, or psoriasis.