Q. What are the symptoms of squamous cell hyperplasia (lichen simplex chronicus)?

A. The symptoms include intense itching that is worse with heat, stress and during your menstrual period.  Women with squamous cell hyperplasia (lichen simplex chronicus) have often had the symptoms for years and typically feel that "nothing helps". Scratching at night is very common. The patient can scratch so hard that she gouges the skin. The symptoms may then include burning and even pain.