Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Neurodermatitis is a skin disease characterized by severe itching and subsequent skin changes. The causes of neurodermatitis have not been definitively established, but the greatest importance is attached to disorders of the nervous system, hereditary predisposition, dysfunction of the endocrine glands, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and other factors.

Patients with neurodermatitis often experience increased irritability, fatigue, poor sleep and appetite. The course of the disease is usually chronic, with periods of exacerbations and subsidence of the process. Exacerbations may be associated with difficult experiences, overwork, and consumption of certain foods, such as oranges, strawberries, eggs, honey, chocolate, and alcoholic beverages. Neurodermatitis worsens and becomes more severe against the background of common serious illnesses in winter and early spring. Improvement in the condition of patients occurs in the summer with long-term rest in a dry, warm climate.

There are two forms of neurodermatitis: common (diffuse) and limited. Diffuse neurodermatitis begins more often in childhood (2-5 years) and usually precedes exudative diathesis. It manifests itself as painful itching, against which small shiny nodules that differ little from the color of the skin appear, closely adjacent to each other. Nodules form on the skin of the extremities, especially in the area of ​​the elbows, knees, wrist joints, the back of the hands, on the sides of the neck, and less often on the torso. As a result of constant scratching, the skin in these areas gradually thickens, acquiring a brownish-pink color, and the pattern of skin lines becomes sharply defined. Often, especially in young children, a secondary, pustular infection occurs.

Limited neurodermatitis develops more often in adults. Itching and rashes appear on the neck, legs, thighs, as well as in the anus, external genitalia, which may be associated with chronic inflammatory processes of the genitals, intestines, and helminthiases. The skin in the center of the affected areas thickens, acquires a darker color, skin lines are sharply marked, and crusts and cracks may form.

Treatment of neurodermatitis includes complex therapy, including treatment of itching and inflammation, correction of nutritional disorders and functions of the endocrine glands, as well as psychotherapy. To relieve itching and inflammation, local anti-inflammatory and antiallergic drugs are prescribed. If infection is present, antibiotics are prescribed. It is important to maintain skin hygiene, avoid contact with irritants, and use mild hypoallergenic detergents and cosmetics.

If you have neurodermatitis, it is very important to eat right, eliminating foods that can cause allergic reactions from your diet. It is also recommended to increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits, herbs and protein products, vitamins and microelements. If neurodermatitis is associated with psychological problems, psychotherapy or consultation with a psychologist may be required.

In addition, it is recommended to avoid stressful situations, increase physical activity, and spend time outdoors. It is also important to follow a daily routine, get enough sleep and rest.

Neurodermatitis is not a dangerous disease, but it can greatly reduce the quality of life, causing discomfort and limitations in everyday life. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease in order to begin timely treatment and prevent the development of complications.

Neurodermatitis is a chronic non-contagious skin disease. It manifests itself as inflammation of the skin without clear boundaries and inflammatory nodes. There are many causes of the disease - from incorrectly selected cosmetics to stress and hereditary factors. And therefore, treatment of the disease can be lengthy. However, most patients tend to become depressed when unpleasant symptoms appear.

Before starting treatment, you should find out about the causes of the disease. This will help you choose the right healing method. But if the reasons remain unclear to you, you have the right to ask for help from a psychologist. The disease occurs when the immune system and autonomic nervous system together do not work properly. According to scientists, this leads to intestinal problems. Then the immune response suffers.

The symptoms of the disease are multifaceted. These are dry skin, itching, the appearance of blisters, and weeping areas. In most cases, these manifestations periodically appear and disappear, but sometimes they begin to appear more often than usual. The pathology most often affects young people from 20 to 35 years old, although it does not appear until after age 70.