Neurodermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis

Neurodermatitis first manifests as an itchy area of skin. As you scratch it, it gets itchier. Leathery, thick skin is the result of more scratching. Multiple itchy areas can develop; they are typically on the neck, wrists, forearms, legs, or groyns.

The condition known as neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus, is not contagious or fatal. Still, there are situations when the itching is so bad that it affects your life, your sleep, and your ability to get pregnant.

Because neurodermatitis is usually a chronic condition, it is difficult to disrupt the scratch-itch cycle. Although it generally returns, treatment may make it go away. Herpes reduction and cessation of scratching are the main objectives of treatment. Removing items that exacerbate your symptoms, such as dry skin, may be beneficial as well.

Causes Of Neurodermatitis

The precise cause of neurodermatitis is uncertain. It can be brought on by an irritant on the skin, such as a bug bite or tight clothes. Sometimes, neurodermatitis exists with other skin conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or dry skin. Itching might also result from tension and anxiety.

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Symptoms Of Neurodermatitis

Symptoms of neurodermatitis include:

• An area or area of rough, inflamed skin
• Vaginal skin that is wrinkled, discoloured and oozes thick, leathery discharge.
• Bruised skin
• Rough, raised spots that are inflamed or darker than the surrounding skin
• The places that are most readily scratched are the scalp, neck, wrists, forearms, ankles, vulva, scrotum, and anus. The itching, which can be extremely intense, may come on suddenly or continuously. Because of habit, you may itch your skin when you sleep.

Also Read: Xerosis (Dry Skin): Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

Risk Factors Of Neurodermatitis

The following variables may make neurodermatitis more likely:

• Years old: The illness most commonly affects individuals in the age range of 30 to 50.
• Other skin conditions: Neurodermatitis is more common in those with a history of other skin disorders, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
• Background in the family: Individuals who have a family history of asthma, hay fever, or childhood eczema may be at higher risk of developing neurodermatitis.
• Disorders related to anxiety: Stress and anxiety are known to cause neurodermatitis.

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Diagnosis Of Neurodermatitis

To find out if you have neurodermatitis, your doctor will look at your skin and discuss your symptoms. To rule out other conditions, your doctor can take a small sample of the affected skin and have it examined under a microscope in a lab. This examination is known as a skin biopsy.

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Treatment Of Neurodermatitis

Reduction of itching, termination of scratching, and treatment of underlying causes are the main objectives of neurodermatitis treatment. The disease often returns, even after having a successful course of treatment. Your medical provider may suggest one or more of the following treatments:

• Anti-itch creams: If the corticosteroid cream isn't doing enough for you, your doctor may prescribe a stronger corticosteroid or a nonsteroidal anti-itch drug that contains a calcineurin inhibitor, such as pimecrolimus (Elidel) or tacrolimus (Protopic). Calcineurin inhibitors have the potential to lessen itching in sensitive areas such as the genitalia.
• Doses of corticosteroids: Your healthcare provider may inject corticosteroids directly into the injured skin to speed up the healing process.
• Medication to decrease itchiness: Many persons with neurodermatitis have reported less itching after taking prescription antihistamines. Certain medications may aid in your ability to go to sleep and keep you from itching while you're dozing.
• Medications that reduce anxiety: Anti-anxiety medications may lessen the itching because stress and anxiety can exacerbate neurodermatitis.
• Patches that are medicated: Your physician might recommend capsaicin or lidocaine patches if you suffer from severe itching.
• Injection of onabotulinum toxin A, or Botox: If a patient has yet to respond well to previous treatments, this treatment can be helpful.
• Luminous treatment: For people who have not responded well to previous therapy, this treatment might potentially be beneficial. It entails subjecting the afflicted skin to specific kinds of light.
• Talk therapy: By talking with a counsellor, you can discover how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours can create or stop itching and scratching. You could try implementing some of the behavioural strategies that your counsellor recommends.

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Complications Of Neurodermatitis

Constant scratching can lead to changes in skin tone (postinflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation), bacterial skin infections, wounds, and permanent scars. Itching from neurodermatitis can have a detrimental effect on your sleep, sexual function, and overall quality of life.

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