NEURODERMITIS

What is neurodermatitis?

Neurodermatitis , also called lichen simplex chronicus , is a chronic skin condition characterized by severe itching and recurrent skin lesions. This is not a disease, it is a skin reaction to constant itching and scratching.

Neurodermatitis is characterized by specific symptoms related to skin inflammation, thickening and itching. The main symptoms of neurodermatitis are:

Severe itching

Itching is one of the most prominent symptoms, often worse at night or during times of stress. Prolonged itching can lead to a vicious cycle where the itching and scratching aggravates the skin damage and causes it to itch even more.

Skin lesions

Redness, swelling and cracking of the skin are typical signs of neurodermatitis. Prolonged scratching causes thickening of the skin. Lesions are usually localized on the neck, arms, legs, scalp, buttocks or torso .

Thickened, rough skin surface

Areas affected by neurodermatitis can appear as a thickened, rough surface of the skin formed by constant scratching.

Wounds

Wounds and blisters may form due to scratching of the skin. This is a fairly common symptom of neurodermatitis.

Discomfort

Severe itching and discomfort can interfere with sleep , work, study and daily life.

Reasons

The causes of neurodermatitis are not completely clear, but it is believed that this skin condition is caused by various factors, such as disorders of the nervous system, reactions of the immune system, genetics, stress and psychological stress.

Disorders of the nervous system

Nervous system disorders that make the skin's sensory nerves more sensitive can contribute to increased itching and skin lesions.

Immune system reactions

Immune system factors associated with inflammatory reactions in the skin may also play a role in the development of neurodermatitis.

Genetics

A genetic predisposition to neurodermatitis can be passed on from parents to their children. People with other allergic conditions, such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, may also have a higher risk of developing neurodermatitis.

Stress and psychological tension

Stress and emotional factors can increase itching, scratching, and skin damage, so neurodermatitis symptoms can occur or worsen during stressful periods.

Dry skin

Dry skin can be more prone to itching and inflammation , so people with dry skin can be more vulnerable and this affects the development of neurodermatitis.

Paradoxically , excessive hygiene can have a negative effect on the skin and increases the risk of developing neurodermatitis. Factors that contribute to the appearance of neurodermatitis:

1. Violation of skin barriers. Frequent and strong soaping, using aggressive soaps, scrubs or other skin care products, can disrupt the skin barrier, dry it out and increase vulnerability to inflammation and infection.
2. Dry skin. Excessive bathing in the shower or bath can dry out the skin. Dry skin is more prone to itching and inflammation , which can increase the risk of neurodermatitis.
3. Microbiome imbalance. The skin microbiome is a natural mix of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that help protect the skin from infection. Excessive hygiene can disrupt this balance of the microbiome, reducing the protective properties of the skin and increasing the risk of inflammatory skin diseases such as neurodermatitis.

Since too much hygiene can increase the risk of developing neurodermatitis , it is important to find the right hygiene balance that not only protects the skin from infections, but also does not damage its barrier. It is recommended to bathe under warm water ( not hot! ), use unscented, mild soaps and body washes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing neurodermatitis can be difficult because its symptoms are similar to those of other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis. Because there is no specific test to diagnose neurodermatitis alone, diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms, patient history, and evaluation.

When diagnosing neurodermatitis, your doctor will perform the following steps:

• Anamnesis. The doctor will listen to the patient's complaints, asking about the symptoms, their severity, duration. The patient's family history of allergies, asthma, or other immune system disorders will also be discussed.
• Physical examination. The doctor will carefully examine the skin to identify the characteristic signs of neurodermatitis, such as skin redness, inflammation, thickening of the skin, and sores.
• Comparison with other skin diseases. Because the symptoms of neurodermatitis can be similar to those of other skin conditions, your doctor will perform an evaluation to rule out other possible diagnoses, such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis.
• Additional research. Sometimes additional tests, such as blood tests, may be done to detect allergies or inflammatory reactions. A skin biopsy may be performed in rare cases when the clinical symptoms and history are not clear enough or to confirm or rule out other skin diseases .

Treatment and psychological support

Although there is no complete cure for neurodermatitis, there are several treatments that can help reduce symptoms, flare-ups, and improve quality of life. The doctor will prescribe an individual treatment plan, which may include one or more of the following methods:

1. Creams and ointments. Moisturizers, emollients, and steroid ointments can help reduce skin inflammation, itching, and redness. Regular use of these products is an important step in maintaining skin health and reducing neurodermatitis flare-ups.
2. Antihistamines. Oral antihistamines can reduce itching and help improve sleep quality. They are especially useful if neurodermatitis symptoms worsen at night .
3. Topical calcineurin inhibitors. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are medications that can reduce skin inflammation and itching. They can be used in conjunction with steroid ointments or as an alternative when steroid ointments are not suitable or effective.
4. Immunosuppressants. In severe cases, when other treatments do not work, immunosuppressants may be used. These drugs suppress the immune system, reducing symptoms, but can cause side effects.
5. Stress management and psychological support. Since stress can worsen the symptoms of neurodermatitis, it is important to find ways to reduce stress .
   

Neurodermatitis in babies and children

Neurodermatitis in babies and children is a fairly common phenomenon, often occurring during the first year of a child's life. In children, the signs of neurodermatitis may differ from those in adults and include:

1. Dry, rough skin.
2. Redness of the skin, usually on the face, arms, legs and buttocks.
3. A rash that may be blistering.
4. Itching that can be very severe, interfering with sleep.

Does food affect neurodermatitis?

Food can have some influence on neurodermatitis symptoms and their severity. Although there is no specific diet plan that works for all people with neurodermatitis, eating/avoiding the following foods may help :

Allergens

For some people, especially children, avoiding certain allergens such as milk, eggs, soy, fish, tree nuts, and wheat can help reduce neurodermatitis symptoms. Before starting any dietary change, it is important to consult a doctor or allergist and have the appropriate tests done.

Anti-inflammatory foods

Including foods in your diet that contain natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances can reduce inflammation in the body and improve skin health. These include fish oil, seeds, green vegetables, berries and olive oil.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help restore and maintain a healthy gut microflora, positively influencing the immune system. Some studies suggest that taking probiotics may be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of neurodermatitis . It is important to consult your doctor before taking probiotics.

Water

Drinking enough water is important because it helps keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Depending on age, gender and level of physical activity, you should drink 8-12 glasses of water per day.

Avoid irritants

Certain foods such as alcohol, red pepper, coffee and processed foods can irritate the skin or cause inflammation. It is important to monitor whether the consumption of certain foods worsens symptoms and adjust the diet according to individual needs.

Prepared from online sources.