Neurodermatitis - VnExpress Health

Neurodermatitis is ranked 5th out of 7 common eczemas, is a chronic progressive disease with a high recurrence rate.

This article was professionally consulted by Dr. Le Vi Anh, Department of Dermatology - Dermatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City.

Define

Neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus, is a skin condition diagnosed after more common causes such as allergic or irritant contact dermatitis have been ruled out.

Symptom

- The most common symptom is itching. The itching is mild at first, then increases to bouts and then to episodes, most intense at night.

- Common clinical manifestations are thick, lichenified, and discolored patches of skin on areas of skin that are frequently scratched.

- The color of the lesion varies from yellow to reddish brown, usually in the center of the lesion. The size of the lesion can vary from 3 to 10 cm or more.

- Skin lesions appear individually or in multiple.

- Lesions appear anywhere, usually in areas the patient can reach such as the head, neck, arms, scalp, and genital area.

Reason

- The cause of the disease is still unknown.

- Diseases such as atopic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis are thought to have the potential to form lichenification.

- In addition, it is also found that there seems to be a relationship between central and peripheral nervous tissue and inflammatory mediators in the ability to cause itching and develop the disease.

- Stress, nervous breakdown, mental disorders can also lead to scratching.

- If the scrotum itches, pay attention to detect pinworms. If the vagina itches, detect vaginal discharge, candida, trichomonas...

Diagnose

- Diagnose neurodermatitis by examining the affected skin area, determining whether there is itching and scratching.

- The doctor takes a small sample of the affected skin (skin biopsy) for testing to rule out other causes.

Treatment

- Anti-itch cream:

* If over-the-counter corticosteroid creams don't help, your doctor may prescribe stronger corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-itch products.

* Use a calcineurin inhibitor ointment (tacrolimus) if the vulva is involved.

- Corticosteroids injected directly into the affected skin area help wounds heal faster.

- Anti-itch medications: Prescription antihistamines help relieve itching in many people with neurodermatitis. Some of these medications can cause drowsiness and help reduce scratching during sleep.

- Anti-anxiety medications: Anxiety and stress can cause neurodermatitis, anti-anxiety medications will prevent itching.

- Patches: For persistent itching, use a 5% lidocaine or 8% capsaicin patch.

- Light therapy: Sometimes, exposing the affected skin to different types of light will reduce itching.

- Psychotherapy: Talking to a counselor helps you control your emotions and behaviors, which can help reduce itching and scratching.

- New therapies:

* In small studies, some people who do not improve their symptoms may benefit from new treatments such as OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections. This technique helps relieve itching and clear rough patches of skin.

* Take oral N-acetylcysteine to reduce scratching.

Prevent

- Live scientifically to control the disease, stop rubbing and scratching.

- Apply cool, wet gauze and bandages to protect the skin and prevent scratches, especially for people who have a habit of scratching while sleeping.

- Trim your nails short, take short warm baths and showers, and moisturize your skin, using mild soaps without dyes or perfumes.

- Limit bathing time and frequency.

- After rinsing, pat skin dry and apply unscented moisturizer.

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