NAME: MUHAMMAD

NOORAIMAN AHMAD
NOORDIN
GROUP : 30 A
 Neurodermatitis is a skin condition characterized by
chronic itching or scaling. Neurodermatitis starts with
a patch of itchy skin, but scratching makes the area
even itchier, so you keep scratching. Eventually you
may scratch simply out of habit. This cycle of chronic
itching and scratching can cause the affected skin to
become thick and leathery.
Neurodermatitis also known as lichen simplex
chronicus or scratch dermatitis isn't serious, but
breaking the itch-scratch cycle is challenging.
Successful treatment of neurodermatitis depends on
identifying and eliminating factors that may be
aggravating the problem. Over-the-counter and
prescription creams can help ease neurodermatitis
symptoms. Once the scratching stops, it can take a
while for your skin to return to normal.
 Signs and symptoms of neurodermatitis include:
Itchy skin in a single, limited area
Leathery or scaly texture to the skin
Raised, rough patch that is red or darker than the
rest of your skin
The primary symptom of neurodermatitis is itchy
skin often a single patch on the neck, wrist,
forearm, thigh or ankle. Sometimes
neurodermatitis affects genital areas, such as the
vulva or scrotum.
The itchiness, which can be very intense, tends to
come and go. Eventually you may scratch simply
out of habit.
 Stress
Anxiety
Dry skin
Sensitive skin
Infection
Neurodermatitis can be hard to tell from other forms of
dermatitis. You should see your doctor if you are losing sleep or
your normal routine is upset because of the itching. Your doctor
can also treat you if you have an infection, your skin is very
painful or if youre at home treatment methods are not working.
With proper treatment, you can expect itching and redness to
slowly go away. Neurodermatitis is a chronic problem but it can
be controlled with the right treatment and by avoiding things
that are known to bother the skin.
Patients predominantly suffer from itching or intense itching.
Scratching can lead to inflammation, pustules, scabbing, scaling,
weeping and thickening of the skin.
 Certain factors may increase your risk of
neurodermatitis, including:
Being middle-aged. The condition is most
common between ages 30 and 50.
Being a woman. Women are affected more
often than are men.
Having a history of skin conditions. People
with a personal or family history of eczema,
psoriasis or similar skin conditions are more
likely to develop neurodermatitis.
 Persistent scratching can lead to a bacterial
skin infection and permanent scars or
changes in skin color. Scratching may also
disrupt your sleep
 skin becomes dry and itchy during the winter
Itch when you sweat
Eyelids or your ears itch at certain times
Emotional stress trigger or exacerbate the itching
Certain foods trigger or exacerbate the itching.
Sweets, chocolate, nuts, fish, cheese, sauerkraut,
spinach, shellfish, tomatoes, wine, citrus fruits,
grapes, milk proteins, kiwi.
Dry skin
Substances can irritate your skin, such as certain
textiles, perfume, cigarette smoke.
Working with wet materials worsens the
condition
 Irritants present in your working environment
Increased incidence of bacterial, fungal or
viral infections, for example yellow scabs,
warts, genital or anal eczema
Natural healing process inhibited, due to an
iron, zinc or vitamin deficiency (following a
diet for example).
Contact allergy (to costume jewelry, plasters,
ointments, cosmetics, certain drugs or
medicines, pollen, household dust
 Irritants should be avoided as far as possible (this is especially
important for foodstuffs). For cases of acute eczema, which is
often accompanied by intense itching, interval therapy may be
recommended, the alternate use of topical cortisone and non-
cortisone preparations, gradually reducing the strength.
Cortisone must only be used under the direct supervision of a
physician.
The percentage of reported cases of neurodermatitis also
called atopic dermatitis or endogenous eczema varies from 10 to
20 per cent for children and from 3 to 5 per cent for
adults.However, there has been a continuous increase over the
last years.
There can however be established a connection between
neurodermatitis and other atopic diseases like hay fever (allergic
rhinitis) and allergic asthma. Generally, atopic diseases are based
on a predisposition which can be attributed to a hypersensibility
of the immune system. Apparently also an insufficient
development of the immune system in early childhood due to
cultural influences plays a role. Today, neurodermatitis is the
number one skin disease among children and obviously, children
with a "sheltered upbringing" are affected more frequently.
 As the substances causing the attacks penetrate
easier the drier the skin is, neurodermatitis
patients are particularly susceptible for
preservative and perfume allergies specifically in
cases where the skin permeation is increased due
to a long-term cortisone therapy
Also micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria and
viruses) penetrate easier and may cause
inflammations. Therefore the prevention of dry
skin which is the visible symptom for a skin
barrier disorder is very important. Furthermore it
is recommended to aim at a cortisone-free
treatment on a long-term basis.
 Prescription medication. Oral or topical
corticosteroids and oral antihistamines may
be necessary to reduce the inflammation and
relieve the intense itching. Antidepressants or
anti-anxiety medications may be helpful for
some people. If you develop a bacterial
infection in the rash, your doctor may
prescribe an antibiotic lotion or oral
antibiotics.
 Wet dressings. This involves applying
medicated cream to affected areas and then
covering these areas with damp cotton
material that has been soaked in water or
other solutions. The moisture in the wet
dressings helps the skin absorb the
medicated cream. Covering the area with a
plastic tape containing medication in the
adhesive, or a tape applied over skin treated
with a corticosteroid cream or ointment can
also be helpful. Change the tape every 24
hours, or at whatever interval your doctor
recommends.
 Patch testing. A patch test (contact delayed
hypersensitivity allergy test) can rule out other
causes of itchy skin, such as allergic contact
dermatitis. During a patch test, small quantities
of potential allergens are applied to small
patches, which are then placed on your skin. The
patches remain on your skin for two days, and
then your doctor checks for a reaction. If you're
allergic to a particular substance being tested,
you develop a raised bump or a reaction limited
to the skin just beneath the patch.
 Punch biopsy. During a punch biopsy test, the
doctor uses a circular tool to remove a small
section of your skin's deeper layers. You may
receive stitches to close the wound. A biopsy
can rule out other conditions, such as lichen
planus, that may mimic neurodermatitis.
 Try over-the-counter (nonprescription) creams or
medications.Apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the
affected area. A nonprescription hydrocortisone
cream can temporarily relieve the itch. A
nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as
diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), may be helpful if
itching is severe.
Cover the affected area. Bandages or dressings can
help protect the skin and prevent scratching. This
may be especially important if you scratch during
your sleep.
Keep your nails trimmed. Short nails may do less
damage to the skin, especially if you tend to scratch
while you're asleep.
 Take cool baths. Sprinkle the bath water with
baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal
oatmeal a finely ground oatmeal that is
made for the bathtub (Aveeno, others).
Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. This
will help you avoid irritation.
Choose mild soaps without dyes or
perfumes. Be sure to rinse the soap
completely off your body. And after washing,
apply an unscented moisturizer to protect
your skin.
Keep stress under control. Stress and anxiety
can trigger itching.
 Witch hazel. Applying a witch hazel
dampened compress to the affected area may
ease the itch.
Camphor. An ointment containing between 3
and 11 percent camphor can safely be
applied three to four times daily to help
reduce itching.