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Neurodermatitis
What ointment to apply for neurodermatitis?
Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by episodic severe itching and lichenoid skin changes. The characteristic skin lesions mainly consist of polygonal, flat papules that range in color from pale red, pale brown to normal skin tone. They are relatively hard and shiny with a small amount of scale on the surface. Over time, the lesions can merge into plaques, and the local skin becomes thickened and rough with lichen-like changes. Therefore, in clinical practice, various topical medications are rationally used based on the characteristics, types, and locations of these lesions. The common types of topical medications include glucocorticoid ointments, tar ointments, and moisturizing antipruritic ointments. Commonly used medications include hydrocortisone butyrate ointment, desonide ointment, mometasone furoate ointment, halometasone ointment, fluticasone propionate ointment, 10% black soybean distillate ointment, 5%-10% Konju butter or coal tar ointment, pine distillate ointment, urea vitamin E ointment, etc.
What can treat neurodermatitis?
The treatment of neurodermatitis generally includes three aspects. First, patients should be advised to avoid scratching, friction, and other irritations; psychological treatment should be given to break the vicious cycle of itch-scratch-itch. Second, topical medication application is the primary method, which may include the careful selection of steroid ointments, anti-itch ointments, or distillate ointments according to the location and characteristics of the rash. Local block therapy may also be necessary. Third, the treatment may involve oral medications such as antihistamines, calcium supplements, vitamins, etc.
Why get neurodermatitis?
The causes of neurodermatitis are not yet fully understood. It is generally believed to be related to several factors: 1. Neuro-psychiatric factors, such as irritability, anxiety, tension, sadness, fatigue, insomnia, etc.; 2. Local skin irritation, for example, friction from shirt collars, desks, contact with chemical substances, localized infections, sweat soak, localized sun exposure, etc.; 3. Dietary factors, such as drinking alcohol, consuming spicy foods, seafood, and other potential triggers; 4. Gastrointestinal dysfunction; 5. Endocrine disorders, and more. These reasons may contribute to the development of neurodermatitis.
Can neurodermatitis heal by itself?
The main characteristic of neurodermatitis is that the skin shows lichenoid changes and paroxysmal intense itching. During the course of the disease, it is easy to form a vicious cycle of itching, scratching, more itching, and more scratching, which further develops the disease. Therefore, neurodermatitis generally has a chronic course, is perennially incurable, or recurs frequently, and its chances of cure are extremely low.
The difference between neurodermatitis and tinea
Neurodermatitis and tinea are very different diseases; they are two completely distinct conditions. Tinea is caused by a fungal infection, whereas neurodermatitis is a neurological disorder and has no connection to fungal infections. Additionally, the clinical manifestations of these two diseases are also different. Neurodermatitis often occurs on the neck, elbows, face, and other areas, presenting as lichenoid changes and generally does not have obvious papules, whereas tinea typically shows clear papules.
How to treat recurrent neurodermatitis?
Neurodermatitis can recurrently occur and may be treated with anti-allergic medication under the guidance of a doctor. Common choices include loratadine tablets, levocetirizine tablets, desloratadine dispersible tablets, or ebastine capsules. Treatment may also involve Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) based on differential diagnosis or opt for proprietary Chinese medicines such as moisturizing and itch-relieving capsules, anti-itch granules, and dermatitis detox pills. If the rash is thickened and lichenified, topical application of compound fluocinonide cream or fluticasone propionate ointment can be used for treatment. Recurrent neurogenic enteritis, often related to staying up late, poor rest, excessive mental tension, and anxiety, necessitates maintaining regular hours and a relaxed mood, and avoiding scratching.
Symptoms of neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a common skin disease characterized primarily by cracked or leather-like rashes, frequently occurring on the eyelids, neck, hands, and also on the trunk of the body. Patients often experience episodic itching, which can intensify and become more noticeable during periods of prolonged sleep deprivation, emotional instability, or high stress. Neurodermatitis can severely affect the quality of life and emotional well-being of patients, and it is crucial to seek timely treatment.
How to completely cure neurodermatitis?
Most cases of neurodermatitis cannot be completely cured, especially those with severe symptoms and thick localized skin lesions, and can only be managed by treatment to improve symptoms. Only some cases of neurodermatitis, where the lesions have just appeared and are relatively thin, can potentially be cured with medication. For mild localized symptoms, it is possible to use compound flumethasone ointment or urea ointment. If the symptoms are severe and the skin lesions are thick, it is advisable to seek treatment at a dermatology department of a regular hospital using cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Additionally, taking some traditional Chinese medicines that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis orally, and applying potent steroids locally can also help improve symptoms. However, once the treatment stops, the condition may relapse. Therefore, it is crucial to treat neurodermatitis promptly upon detection and not wait until the condition worsens. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)
What oral medicine is taken for neurodermatitis?
Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by paroxysmal severe itching and lichenoid changes in the skin. Its causes may be related to various internal and external factors such as neuropsychiatric factors, gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine disorders, diet, and local skin irritation. Clinically, we often combine the application of topical medications with oral systemic medications. Commonly used oral medications include antihistamines, calcium supplements, vitamin C, and can also be combined with the use of glutathione vitamin B1, vitamin B12, and complex vitamin B, etc. If sleep is affected, sedative hypnotics can be added before bedtime, commonly including doxepin and diazepam. For extensive skin lesions, oral administration of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets can be combined.
What are the symptoms of neurodermatitis?
The symptoms of neurodermatitis primarily manifest as flat papules the size of pinpoints or rice grains on parts of the body such as the neck, sacral region, elbows, knees, inner thighs, perineum, and around the anus. The surface of these papules may have a small amount of scale and exhibit paroxysmal, intense itching. Due to this, a vicious cycle of itching and scratching can develop during the course of the disease, causing local skin lesions to merge into large patches. The skin becomes thicker and rougher, resembling lichenification, and shows episodes of severe itching.