The best thing you can do to prevent lichenified skin—skin that becomes thickened and leathery from scratching—is to stop scratching the skin and allow it to heal. This can be difficult because the urge to scratch the affected area may be very strong. Talk with your healthcare provider for the best treatment plan to heal your skin, which may include a combination of medications and other at-home treatments. Other helpful ways to improve lichenified skin include wearing gloves while you sleep to prevent scratching and avoiding and managing stress that can trigger inflammation in the body.