Neurodermatitis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Neurodermatitis is a skin condition that begins as an itchy patch on the skin. Scratching increases itching. The more you scratch, the thicker and tougher the skin becomes. Various itchy areas may develop, usually on the neck, wrists, forearms, legs, and groin.

Neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus) is not fatal or contagious. However, the itching can be so intense that it impairs sleep, sexual function, and quality of life.

Symptoms of neurodermatitis include: One or more patches of itchy scaly skin Open sores that bleed Thick, leathery skin Discoloration and wrinkles on the skin of the genitals Rough, raised patches that are swollen or darker than the rest of the skin

Consult a health care provider if home remedies do not help after two days and the following occurs: You find yourself constantly scratching the same area of ​​skin. Itching prevents you from sleeping or concentrating on your daily routines.

Treatment for neurodermatitis aims to control itching, avoid scratching, and treat the underlying causes. Even with successful treatment, the disease often returns. Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following treatments: Anti-itch creams. If store-bought steroid cream does not help, your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger steroidal or nonsteroidal anti-itch product with a calcineurin inhibitor, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel ). A calcineurin inhibitor may be helpful in relieving itching in sensitive areas, such as the genitals. Corticosteroid injections. Your healthcare provider may inject corticosteroids directly into the affected skin to help it heal. Medicines to relieve itching. Prescription antihistamines help relieve itching in many people with neurodermatitis. Some of these medications can make you drowsy and prevent you from scratching while you sleep. Anti-anxiety medications. Because anxiety and stress can trigger neurodermatitis, anxiolytics help prevent itching. Medicinal patches. For persistent itching, your healthcare provider may recommend lidocaine or capsaicin patches. Injections of onabotulic toxin type A (Botox). This technique can be useful for people who have not had good results with other treatments. Phototherapy. This technique can also be useful for people who have not had good results with other treatments. It involves exposing the affected skin to certain types of light. Psychotherapy. Talking with a counselor can help you understand how your emotions and behaviors promote (or prevent) itching and scratching. The counselor may recommend trying certain behavioral techniques.