5 Things You Need to Know About Neurodermatitis

1. A Maddening Itch-scratch Cycle

It's a simple case of Catch-22: the more it itches, the more you scratch, and the more you scratch, the more it itches. This cycle is indicative of neurodermatitis, or lichen simplex chronicus, a type of eczema or skin condition marked by irritated nerve endings in the skin leading to a deep, chronic itch that is nearly impossible to satisfy. Neurodermatitis is a common form of eczema and affects mostly women between 20 and 50 years of age.

2. Scratching Yourself Into Trouble

Not considered to be serious, neurodermatitis is if nothing else annoying and frustrating. The chronic itch-scratch pattern becomes hard to break the longer the person suffers with this condition. Repeated scratching can cause red, scaly plaques on the skin, open sores and cracks that can lead to infection and hardening of the skin that leaves it tough and leathery. Scratch marks can even result in a change to the color of the skin.

3. Where It All Begins

How you get neurodermatitis is not known. It can start with something as superficial as an insect bite that becomes irritated and so you scratch it until neurodermatitis develops. Emotional stress can play a part in the development, and certainly in the progress, of neurodermatitits. Other forms of eczema (such as atopic dermatitis), psoriasis and dry skin can lead to neurodermatitis. If you have a family history of dermatitis, you might be more susceptible. Neurodermatitis does not appear to be the result of any type of allergic reaction.

4. Itch Factors

Besides a bug bite, another skin condition or stress, other factors can put you at risk for neurodermatitis. Anything that rubs against the skin and causes an irritation that results in scratching has the potential to become neurodermatitis; therefore, tight clothing made of wool or a synthetic fabric might trigger this condition. Poor blood flow and sweating can also be triggers. Exposure to skin irritants can also be a predetermining factor (contact with hair dye containing the aromatic amine P-phenylenediamine has been shown to cause neurodermatitis in some people).

5. Soothing That Troubled Skin

Treatment for neurodermatitis centers on the main symptom: getting rid of the itch. Topical or oral antibiotics and topical corticosteroids can relieve itching and reduce the chances of infection. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams and lotions can provide relief and antihistamines can help to stop itching. Some preventive measures can be taken in conjunction with medical treatment such as applying ice to the area that itches, cutting fingernails to avoid deep scratches, covering the itchy area, reducing stress and not wearing tight or irritating clothing.