Neurodermatitis
Imagine an itch you couldn’t stop scratching. For patients suffering from neurodermatitis, this is a reality. Neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus or scratch dermatitis, is a skin condition developing from a patch of itchy skin. As the condition develops, patients experience chronic itching or scaling, causing the skin to become thick and leathery. While the condition is not serious, it is a nuisance, provoking scratching without relief. Irritated skin becomes itchier, eventually causing the patient to scratch out of habit. Now normally, scratching is a normal bodily response, produced by a voluntary scratch reflex in response to stimulus. However, this condition affects the nerve endings in the skin, causing chronic irritation. What causes this condition is unclear, but patients have experienced this condition following bug bites or irritation from tight clothing. Neurodermatitis can be associated with dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis as well.
Patients suffering from neurodermatitis typically experience chronic itchiness at a single skin region. These patches of itchy skin typically appear on the forearm, thigh, ankle, neck, or wrist, but can also affect the genital regions, such as the scrotum or vulva. As the condition develops, the outer layer of skin may appear scaly or leathery in texture, while some regions may appear raised, rough, and discolored (either red or darker than the surrounding skin). While the sensation of itchiness can fluctuate, most patients become conditioned to habitually scratch afflicted areas. Should you notice that a specific region provokes constant scratching, such that it impedes or inhibits daily activity, you should contact a physician immediately. Constant scratching can lead to infection, which can be identified by the presence of fluid or elevated pain. Neurodermatitis can appear on regions affected by atopic or contact dermatitis as well as areas affected by psoriasis.
Treatment of neurodermatitis focuses on treating the irritation and helping the patient stop scratching the affected area.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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August 1, 2011 - 12:33pmThis Comment