Neurodermatitis is a non-life-threatening skin condition that starts with an itchy patch of skin. Scratching makes it even itchier. This itch-scratch cycle causes the affected skin to become thick and leathery. It is also called lichen simplex chronicus. But the itching can be so intense or recurrent that it disrupts your sleep, sexual function and quality of life.
In this video, we will introduce some information about neurodermatitis causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and home remedies tips.
Causes of neurodermatitis
The underlying cause of neurodermatitis is unknown. However, it has been observed that the itch can start during times of extreme stress, anxiety, emotional trauma, or depression.
Other possible neurodermatitis triggers include:
- Nerve injuries.
- Insect bites.
- Dry skin.
- Wearing tight clothing.
- Other skin diseases.
Risk factors for neurodermatitis.
Certain factors may affect your risk of neurodermatitis, including:
- Gender and age. Women are more likely to develop neurodermatitis than are men. The condition is most common between ages 30 and 50.
- Other skin conditions. People with a personal or family history of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or similar skin conditions are more likely to develop neurodermatitis.
- Anxiety disorders. Anxiety and stress can trigger the itch of neurodermatitis.
Symptoms of neurodermatitis
In addition to itching, scratching, and dry, discolored patches of skin, symptoms of neurodermatitis can include:
- Open sores and bleeding, due to repeated scratching.
- Hair loss if itching and scratching occur on the scalp.
- Infection, which is indicated by sores with yellow-colored crusts, fluid discharge or pus-filled bumps.
- Scarring from scratching.
- Skin lines in the affected skin.
Treatment options for neurodermatitis
Your doctor may prescribe the following treatments options according to your condition, they include:
- Potent steroids cream or ointment.
- Steroid injection.
- Coal tar preparations.
- Moisturizers relieve dryness and reduce the desire to scratch.
- Cooling creams containing menthol.
- Antihistamine to reduce itching.
- Antifungal or antibiotic treatment if there is infection exists.
- Phototherapy.
- Immunomodulatory medications and other treatments.
Be sure these treatments are ordered and supervised by legal dermatologists. Because some of them may thin your skin, and others may affect other organ functions.
Prevention and home remedies tips for neurodermatitis
- Follow your treatment plan.
- If you cannot stop scratching, try to cover it.
- Keep your fingernails very short.
- Learn stress management therapy.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing that feels smooth to the touch.
- Find out trigger factors and avoid them.
- Moisturize regularly.
Thanks for your watching.