In addition to being known as lichen simplex, neurodermatitis is also referred to as scratch dermatitis. It is a chronic condition marked by itching and/or scaling that begins with localized itching but worsens when scratched, leading to a cycle of persistent itching and scratching that can cause the skin to thicken and become leathery.
Signs and symptoms
- excessive itching in just one, specific location, such as the neck, wrist, thighs, abdomen, or thighs, for example.
- Leathery skin
- Rough, raised, and darker or more red than the surrounding skin.
- A bacterial skin infection, scarring that is permanent, and skin color changes can all result from a chronic cycle of scratching and itching.
- Patients’ sleeping patterns may be impacted by itching.
Causes
Stress and anxiety can be factors that cause it, but most of the time the cause is something that rubs or irritates the skin, like tight clothing or a bug bite. As the patient scratches, the itching gets worse, and the cycle continues until the skin turns leathery.
Risk Factors
- 30- to 50-year-olds: This age range is where the condition is most prevalent.
- More women than men are impacted.
- History of skin conditions: Patients are more likely to develop neurodermatitis if they have a personal or family history of eczema, psoriasis, or other similar skin conditions.
Investigation
The appearance of the skin and a history of scratching and itching are used to make the diagnosis, and additional tests can rule out other causes.
- Patch testing or allergy testing involves applying minute amounts of allergens to tiny patches that are then applied to the skin; two days later, if the patient experiences a raised bump or a reaction that only affects the skin immediately beneath the patch, the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis is made.
Skin biopsy: To rule out other conditions that might resemble neurodermatitis, such as lichen planus, eczema, and psoriasis.
Conventional medication
The traditional approach to treating neurodermatitis focuses on preventing and reducing secondary infections, controlling skin dryness and itching, and giving quick fixes without addressing the underlying causes of the condition.
Antihistamines and steroids – They can cause an aggressive flare-up while suppressing itching.
Antibiotics are used to reduce lesion inflammation and secondary infections.
In the event of stress-related itching, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.
Petroleum jelly, moisturizing soaps, and other moisturizers help to keep moisture in the skin.
Homeopathic Treatment
- This autoimmune disease’s underlying causes are treated by addressing immune system abnormalities.
- In most instances, it can produce results that are long-lasting or nearly permanent.
- It is completely non-toxic, secure, and safe.
Neurodermatitis should definitely be treated homeopathically.
Arsenicum album
The skin is dry, itchy, and burns intensely; scratching can make the itching worse; applying heat will relieve it; people needing this remedy are typically anxious, restless, and compulsively neat and orderly; indigestion with burning pain and a general feeling of chilliness are frequently seen.Arsenicumis indicated.
Calcarea carbonica
This remedy is appropriate for those who are easily exhausted by exertion, feel anxious and overwhelmed if ill or overworked, have a tendency to develop eczema and cracking skin that is worse in the winter, have clammy hands and feet, slow metabolism, and a tendency toward weight issues.Calcarea.
Graphites
The areas behind the ears, around the mouth, or on the hands are frequently cracked, with a golden oozing discharge that hardens into crusts; the person will often scratch the irritated places until they bleed. People who are likely to respond to this remedy have tough or leathery skin with cracks and soreness, and they frequently have a long history of skin disorders (impetigo, herpes, etc.).Graphites.
Hepar sulphuris calcareum
The skin, especially on the hands and feet, looks chapped and deeply cracked and is very slow to heal. The person typically feels vulnerable and irritable, with a low resistance to illness and infection. This remedy may be helpful to very sensitive, chilly people whose eczema is extremely sore and becomes infected easily.
Mezereum
A craving for fat and a tendency to feel better in open air are other indications for this remedy. A person who needs this remedy frequently has strong anxiety, felt physically in the stomach. Intensely itching eruptions start as blisters, then ooze and form thick crusts, and scratching can lead to thickened skin.Mezereum.
Rhus toxicodendron
This remedy may be helpful for someone with eczema that has blister-like eruptions that are red, swollen, itchy, and relieved by hot applications.Rhus toxoften craves cold milk.
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