The difference between neurodermatitis and allergic dermatitis

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by paroxysmal severe itching and lichenoid skin changes. Its main causes may be related to various internal and external factors such as neuropsychiatric factors, gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine disorders, diet, and local skin irritation. It commonly occurs on the neck, elbows, lumbosacral area, inner thighs, perineum, and around the anus. The skin lesions are characterized by pinpoint or rice grain-sized polygonal flat papules that are pale red, tan, or normal skin color, with a hard and glossy texture. They may be covered with a small amount of scale and, over time, can merge into large plaques, leading to thickened, rough skin with lichenoid changes.

Allergic dermatitis is an hypersensitivity reaction skin disease caused by contact with various allergens, characterized by diverse skin lesions such as erythema, papules, vesicles, swelling, and itching, which can occur all over the body. However, localized allergic dermatitis, if treated improperly or not treated in a timely manner, or due to repeated scratching, can potentially develop into neurodermatitis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
42sec home-news-image

What can be eaten with allergic dermatitis?

Allergic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease related to allergies. Therefore, patients with allergic dermatitis definitely need to pay attention to their diet: First, it is recommended to eat more foods rich in vitamins and protein, such as apples, pears, and lean meat. Moreover, it is advised not to drink alcohol or alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can stimulate the worsening of allergic symptoms and increase dermatitis reactions. Lastly, eating more fresh vegetables and fruits is beneficial.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 15sec home-news-image

Difference between allergic dermatitis and neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by episodic severe itching and lichenoid skin changes. Its causes may be related to various factors including neuropsychiatric factors, diet, local skin irritation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and endocrine disorders. It commonly occurs in the neck, elbows, knees, sacrococcygeal region, perineum, and around the anus. The lesions are characterized by pinhead- or rice-grain-sized polygonal flat papules, which are pale red, pale brown, or normal skin colored, with a hard and glossy texture. They may be covered with a small amount of scale, and over time, the lesions can merge into large plaques, with the local skin becoming thickened and rough, showing lichenoid changes. Allergic dermatitis is an allergic reaction disease caused by contact with allergens. Its lesions are diverse, which can be erythema, papules, vesicles, swelling, and accompanied by itching. Therefore, localized allergic dermatitis due to improper treatment, lack of timely treatment, or repeated scratching, can develop into neurodermatitis.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 4sec home-news-image

What is eczematous dermatitis?

Eczematous dermatitis is a manifestation of dermatitis, with the main clinical manifestations being millet-sized papules, vesicopustules, or vesicles on the skin, accompanied by erythema that can merge into patchy areas. Frequent scratching can lead to exudation, erosion, secondary infection, and in severe cases, the formation of pustules and crusts. Eczematous dermatitis is a type of allergic skin disease. It is usually necessary to identify the specific allergens involved. One can visit a hospital to check for allergens and then undergo treatment with antihistamines as directed by a doctor. If there is significant exudation, topical treatment can include wet dressings with lactic acid, ichthammol solution, or boric acid solution. Treatment can also be supplemented with traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine combined, based on differential diagnosis.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to treat diaper rash dermatitis?

Diaper dermatitis is primarily a type of contact dermatitis that occurs because the diapers soaked with urine and feces are not changed in time. Decomposition materials in urine and feces irritate the skin, causing inflammation. The main treatment involves keeping the buttocks dry and changing diapers frequently. It is necessary to wash the buttocks, genital area, and surrounding skin with clean water daily, and to rinse the anus and surrounding skin with water after bowel movements. Diapers should be thoroughly rinsed with clean water and not wrapped with plastic on the outside. If using disposable diapers, choose ones that are soft, not rough, and breathable. If there is a bacterial or fungal infection, topical antibiotics or antifungal medications should be used. For mild cases with only redness, consider keeping the buttocks dry. In cases where there is significant erosion, some medications may be used for intervention. If there is skin redness, topical calamine lotion can be applied. If the diaper dermatitis is severe and the baby is fussy and uncomfortable, it is advised to visit a hospital for a doctor to provide treatment based on the specific condition of the baby.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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Symptoms of dermatitis eczema

Dermatitis and eczema are diseases of the same nature, both classified as hypersensitivity disorders. Their clinical symptoms manifest as pruritic papules and plaques all over the body, accompanied by scaling and varying degrees of itching. The triggering factors are multifaceted, including genetics, environment, metabolism, and more, necessitating the strengthening of skin barrier repair. Daily care is based on moisturizing, recommending the use of medical skincare products such as soft moisturizing creams, and providing symptomatic treatments such as anti-inflammatory and antihistamine to regulate immunity. Medications including oral ebastine tablets, total glucosides of paeony capsules, and tripterygium glycosides tablets, as well as topical tacrolimus ointment, are suggested. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)