Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin condition caused by a cycle of itching and scratching. It can be difficult to treat, but can be managed by a dermatologist and psychologist. Causes include stress and nerve irritation. Treatment includes antibiotics, steroids, skin soothing creams, and behavior modification. Tranquilizers may also be helpful for patients with stress-related neurodermatitis.
Neurodermatitis is a skin condition characterized by a chronic itch-scratch cycle in which the patient feels itchy, scratched, and irritated skin, which causes more itching. It can be difficult to treat, because behavior modification is often required on the part of the patient to resolve the problem. Treatment for neurodermatitis can be provided by a dermatologist who can manage skin irritation and a psychologist who can help the patient deal with behavioral problems.
In some cases, neurodermatitis appears to be caused by self-harm, commonly due to stress. People may compulsively scratch or irritate the skin and scalp, causing scaly lesions to appear, and these lesions will in turn itch, leading the patient to scratch and create a cycling skin problem. Other causes of neurodermatitis include situations that irritate nerve endings, such as exposure to chemicals, tight clothing, prolonged pressure, and so on. In these cases, the irritated nerve endings start sending a signal that they are itchy even when nothing is present to cause irritation or itching.
This condition is also known as lichen simplex chronicus. The patient usually develops red, scaly skin which may include hard nodules of irritated skin. If patients scratch enough, they can create open sores that can seep and provide an opening for bacteria to enter the body. The skin is also commonly dry and flaky. Neurodermatitis can occur anywhere on the body. The arms are a common site, as is the scalp. In people with a history of skin problems, neurodermatitis often occurs in old trouble spots. Someone who has a history of developing hives and irritation on their hands, for example, will develop lesions on their hands.
Treatments for neurodermatitis include topical use of antibiotics and steroids to manage inflammation and potential infection. Skin soothing creams can also be used to calm itching so that the patient feels less irritation. Finally, the patient should scratch less. Some patients are able to control the scratching themselves, while others use techniques such as cutting their fingernails short and wearing gloves so they are less likely to injure their skin. Seeing a psychologist can also help a patient who wants to learn not to scratch.
In patients who have developed neurodermatitis because they feel jittery or jittery, tranquilizers can sometimes be helpful. These medications help the patient remain calm and may reduce the feelings of stress and upset that contribute to the development of scratching behavior. Ideally, patients requiring sedatives should also see a psychologist to learn stress management techniques and address stress-causing issues.
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