Neurodermatitis: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is neurodermatitis?

Neurodermatitis or lichen simplex chronicus is a neurological disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the skin.

The appearance of this inflammation is characterized by the appearance of itching. If you keep scratching the itchy skin, the skin can become thick and rough over time.

The skin that is constantly scratched can cause small red spots which then spread to become patches.

Neurodermatitis generally causes itching in the legs, but also appears on the wrists, back of the neck (nape), forearms, thighs, anus (rectum), and genital areas such as the skin of the scrotum (testicles) and the lips of the vagina.

Neurodermatitis is neither dangerous nor contagious. However, repeated itching can interfere with activities and reduce quality of life.

How common is this disease?

Neurodermatitis is more common in adults than children.

On average, this disease attacks adults at the age of 30-50 years. Men get neurodermatitis more often than women.

Signs and symptoms

What are the features and symptoms of neurodermatitis?

The main symptom of neurodermatitis is itching which can be very intense.

The itching can be so unbearable that it makes the sufferer want to keep scratching. As a result, the skin becomes thick and rough.

Next will appear spots which then widen into a circle of patches that are red or darker than the surrounding skin.

These patches will not spread to other parts of the skin, but other skin surfaces can become dry and flaky.

Some areas of the skin that are commonly affected by neurodermatitis are:

• the outside of the calf
• wrists and feet
• the back and edge of the neck
• the front of the palms and elbows
• scrotum (testicles), vulva, anal area, and pubis
• upper eyelid
• ear openings
• crease behind the ear

The itching may disappear and come back or continue. For some people, the thickened area of ​​the skin actually feels very itchy when resting or sleeping at night, causing the sufferer to still scratch when sleeping or even wake up.

Not infrequently, an unbearable itching sensation will begin to feel every patient experiencing stress. Even if the stress has subsided, the itching may continue.

Complications due to neurodermatitis

The symptoms of neurodermatitis will worsen the more frequent scratching and over time it will irritate the skin so that it is prone to other skin diseases.

The ongoing irritation can cause the skin to peel and reduce the pigment of the skin on the affected area.

In addition, there is also a risk of bacterial infection, especially for sufferers who have a weak immune system. These infections can exacerbate the itching and skin damage, requiring longer treatment times.

When should I go to the doctor?

If you experience these symptoms or the affected skin has become irritated and feels sore, immediately see a dermatologist for treatment.

The medical examination should not be postponed if the itching has interfered with activities and has become a habit that is difficult to break.

Cause

What causes neurodermatitis?

Reporting from the American Academy of Dermatology, until now the exact cause of neurodermatitis is unknown.

Neurodermatitis may be caused by the nervous system connected to certain parts of the skin overreacting. However, further research is still needed to explain this link.

In general, this disease is more likely to appear in people who have skin conditions and a medical history such as:

• Dry skin
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• allergy
• Psychological disorders, such as anxiety and anxiety disorders obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Risk factors

What puts me at risk for this disease?

Although the cause is unknown, researchers have studied a number of possible risk factors for neurodermatitis.

Trigger factors can come from:

• Injury or disturbance to nerves
• Stress or periods of emotional trauma
• Dry skin
• Insect bites
• Clothing that is too tight (especially wool, polyester, and rayon)
• Excessive sweating
• Lower blood pressure

In addition, the use of lithium drugs and venous insufficiency (lack of function of the vessels back to the heart) can also trigger nighttime itching in the hands and feet.

Diagnosis

How do doctors diagnose neurodermatitis?

First of all, the doctor will perform a physical examination to identify symptoms as well as evaluate the history of skin diseases such as dermatitis or eczema. A skin biopsy may be done to get a more definite diagnosis.

If the condition is getting worse, the doctor will also make a diagnosis through laboratory analysis of skin samples to confirm any infection by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or mites.

Treatment

What are the treatment options for neurodermatitis?

It is important to know that the itching sensation and the symptoms of patches on the skin are caused by scratching.

Therefore, one of the effective ways to cure the symptoms of neurodermatitis is not to scratch the affected skin. You can trim your nails frequently to reduce the habit of scratching.

In certain situations, the itching due to neurodermatitis can be unbearable and requires treatment through drugs. However, even the most effective treatment will be useless if you continue to scratch the area of ​​the skin affected by neurodermatitis.

Doctors will usually prescribe appropriate drugs after diagnosing risk factors or triggers that cause neurodermatitis. Some of the types of drugs commonly used for neurodermatitis are:

Antihistamines

Antihistamine allergy medications are usually used to reduce itching and inflammation. By taking antihistamines, you can sleep more soundly without the itching disturbance.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid drugs can be capsules or cream. This drug contains steroids that can suppress inflammation, skin thickening, and heal red, scaly patches.

In more severe cases, steroids can be given by injection once every 4 weeks so that they can penetrate directly into the thickened skin.

However, you need to be aware of the risk of side effects from corticosteroids in the long term. Always consult your doctor about the rules of use.

Sedative

If it is known that stress is a trigger for the neurodermatitis condition, your doctor can prescribe a low dose of sedative to control the stress.

Regular psychotherapy or counseling can be recommended by doctors so that drugs to relieve itching and inflammation can work more quickly and effectively.

Skin moisturizer

Dry skin can be prone to itching and irritation. Skin moisturizer is needed to prevent dry skin conditions, but it needs to be used regularly several times a day, especially after bathing.

In choosing the right skin moisturizer for you, adjust it to your skin type and choose a moisturizer that doesn't contain fragrances.

Home remedies

What are some home remedies that can be used to treat neurodermatitis?

Neurodermatitis treatment can take some time. To restore the affected skin also requires a process.

Therefore, it requires supportive care and some changes in daily lifestyle so that the treatment can work more effectively and quickly.

How to treat neurodermatitis that can be done at home are:

• If the itchy skin starts to feel compressed using cold water to reduce the burning sensation that causes itching.
• Try to keep your body at a normal temperature. High body temperature can cause sweating which makes the affected skin even more inflamed.
• Use clothes made of soft and comfortable materials that do not cause skin irritation such as those made from wool.
• Avoiding irritants or allergens such as dust, poison ivy, pollen, animal dander and exposure to food allergens.
• Protect the affected skin area with a plastic shield or corticosteroid to keep it sterile and clean. This is useful for avoiding infection with germs.