What is “neurodermatitis”?

  Neurodermatitis is a common skin disease, mostly seen in adults, but generally not in children. It occurs on both sides of the neck, collar, elbow fossa, N fossa, sacrococcygeal region, wrist, ankle, and also on the lower back, eyelids, extremities and vulva. The initial localized itching or mechanical irritation such as friction is followed by the typical mossy lesions of deepening skin lines and elevated skin crests. The typical lesions are normal skin-colored or pale red or tawny flat papules with a smooth surface or a small amount of scales. Most of the papules are dense and form coin to palm-sized, rounded or shapeless mossy lesions. The affected skin is dry, infiltrated and hypertrophic, and the surface may have scratches, crusts and mild hyperpigmentation. The lesions are limited to one or a few places as limited neurodermatitis; if the lesions are widely distributed or even generalized throughout the body, it is called generalized neurodermatitis. The symptoms are paroxysmal severe itching, especially at night, which affects sleep.  The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease is still unclear. It is generally believed to be related to the dysfunction of excitation and inhibition of the cerebral cortex. Patients often have symptoms of neurasthenia such as dizziness, insomnia, irritability and anxiety. Endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction, infected lesions, excessive fatigue, mental stress and scratching, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, mechanical and physical stimulation can all contribute to the development of the disease and aggravate it.  Based on the typical mossy skin lesions, the prevalent sites, and paroxysmal severe itching, the disease is easy to diagnose, but should also be differentiated from common skin diseases such as chronic eczema, pruritus, primary cutaneous amyloidosis, atopic dermatitis, and lichen planus. The fundamental aim of treatment is to stop the itching. It is important to avoid scratching in order to break the vicious cycle of “itch-scratch”. Most patients can achieve satisfactory results with topical creams and oral anti-allergic medications, and for stubborn cases, ultraviolet light, helium-neon laser irradiation and medicated baths are also available.  The itchiness of this disease is obvious and easy to recur, which not only affects the life of the patient, but also very much affects the appearance of the patient, which can be a very disgusting condition.       Patients with neurodermatitis should pay attention to the following matters in their daily lives to avoid aggravating the disease  Relax. Excessive anxiety can further aggravate the itching symptoms.  Try to avoid scratching. Scratching can cause the skin to be thickened by constant mechanical irritation and even cause infection. Scratching also plays a reinforcing role, often the more you scratch, the more itchy the more you scratch, forming a vicious circle, thus prolonging the course of the disease.  Avoid hot water scalding. Many patients like to use hot water to wash the rash to stop the itch, this method has a short-term effect, but is very undesirable. This is a great way to get the most out of your life. The heat stimulation will cause the capillaries of the skin to dilate, which will actually aggravate the condition.  Avoid eating properly. Try to avoid eating irritating foods, chili, wine, strong tea, coffee, etc.  Avoid the blind use of drugs. The disease has a long course and is easily recurring, so patients should cooperate with doctors for patient treatment. Some patients are so eager to treat that they apply ointment to their lesions without a doctor’s consultation, which aggravates their condition. Therefore, do not use drugs without permission, should go to a regular hospital, according to the condition of the corresponding treatment plan, if necessary, using a combination of treatment to improve the effectiveness.