What is neurodermatitis?
Recently, I was diagnosed with lichen simplex chronicus or most commonly known as neurodermatitis. It all started in 2015 when I had an itchy patch of skin at the back of my neck. Then, a friend of mine recommended a cream for me to try out that she uses for her eczema. It worked for a while. Until an itchy patch of skin appeared on my elbow not long after. I tried the same cream but it didn’t heal.
For years, I’ve had this thickened skin on my elbow that I thought would never go away. But, recently, I went to a dermatologist to check out the rough patch on my elbow. And, it turned out to be lichen simplex chronicus or most commonly known as neurodermatitis. It’s not life-threatening or contagious. However, the itching can be so intense or recurrent that it sometimes disrupts my sleep and quality of life.
What is neurodermatitis?
The signs and symptoms of neurodermatitis include the following:
- An itchy patch
- A leathery or scaly texture on affected areas
- A raised and rough patch or patches become red or darker than the rest of the skin.
The cause of neurodermatitis remains unknown. However, my dermatologist points out that the persistent rubbing and scratching that characterizes the condition may begin with something that simply irritated the skin. Of course, these include tight clothing, a small scrape, or even a simple bug bite. Associated with chronic skin conditions, this includes dry skin, eczema, or even psoriasis. Stress and anxiety can also trigger itching.
According to my dermatologist, neurodermatitis rarely heals without treatment.
So, she prescribed me a treatment plan to stop the itching and scratching. Of course, medications remain unique for each patient. These include such as the following:
- Corticosteroids. This can be applied to the itchy patch or injected into the patch. It also helps reduce redness, swelling, heat, itching, and tenderness, and can soften the thickened skin.
- Antihistamines. Taken before bedtime, it helps cut back on itching during sleep. Aside from that, it can also help prevent allergic reactions that could worsen the condition.
- Antibiotics. Dermatologists prescribe this if the patchy area becomes infected. Antibiotics can also be applied to the skin or taken orally in pill form.
- Moisturizers. These reduce dryness and itching.
- Coal tar preparations. This medicine, on the other hand, causes the skin to shed dead skills. It also slows the growth of new cells. Meanwhile, patients can place it directly on their skin or add it to their baths.
- Capsaicin cream. This, then, relieves both pain and itching.
Sometimes, dermatologists might also suggest a few more things aside from the earlier medications for neurodermatitis.
They can recommend coverings or bandages to prevent night scratching and allow better sleep. Covering also helps medicine for neurodermatitis applied to the skin penetrate better.
Dermatologists may also recommend a cool compress to place on the skin for about five minutes before applying corticosteroids. That way, it softens the skin so the medicine can penetrate easier and it can also relieve itching.
Since neurodermatitis is believed that anxiety, depression, and/or stress can sometimes cause the itch, they would also recommend antidepressants, therapy, and/or a check-up from the psychiatrist.
Of course, my skin differs from others. So, if you have a rough or thick patch on your skin, please do not immediately diagnose yourself with neurodermatitis. Make sure you go to the dermatologist and have them diagnose your condition.
