Neurodermatitis: what is it, symptoms and treatment, photos, causes

Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin disease of a neurogenic nature, occurring as an allergy and manifested by rashes and severe itching. The disease affects at any age, but never develops immediately after birth. The incidence is higher in women than in men.

Learn more about what kind of disease this is, what its causes are and the first symptoms in adults, and what doctors prescribe as treatment to quickly restore the skin.

Features of the disease

Neurodermatitis is also called atopic dermatitis. This is a chronic disease that cannot be completely cured and is characterized by periods of calm and exacerbation.

This is one of the most common skin diseases among children. Almost half of all skin pathologies are due to childhood neurodermatitis.

The disease is an inflammatory skin process, manifested as a result of skin irritation from the inside or outside, and is immunoallergic in nature. The disease manifests itself with unpleasant symptoms and is very difficult for children to tolerate.

Clinical picture

The first signs of neurodermatitis, usually appearing already in the first months of a baby’s life, are difficult to miss. As a rule, the older the child, the more pronounced the symptoms of the disease become. You can suspect something is wrong based on the following characteristic manifestations:

Red spots. Noticeably different in color from healthy skin, they can take different shapes. In some cases, numerous small blisters filled with serous fluid form on the skin.
Severe itching. The child constantly scratches the itchy skin, which leads to the formation of wounds into which any infectious agent can easily penetrate and cause suppuration.
Dryness and flaking of the skin. During examination, longitudinal and transverse grooves are found on the inflamed epidermis. Disruption of the sebaceous glands on the scalp leads to the appearance of dry seborrhea.

Due to the incessant itching, the child’s behavior changes significantly. Favorite activities do not bring pleasure, appetite disappears, and insomnia appears. A patient with neurodermatitis becomes irritable, quickly gets tired, and experiences difficulties in learning and adapting to a team.

Main reasons

The causes of neurodermatitis in children are not fully understood. Most opinions agree that the child’s immunity has not yet been fully formed and is not able to withstand external factors. Even during the formation of the embryo’s immune system, the prerequisites for the development of the disease are laid.

The following factors may also cause the disease:

heredity;
poor diet during pregnancy;
unfavorable environment;
long-term use of medications;
stress, emotional tension;
disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system;
presence of an allergic reaction;
worms;
infectious diseases;
poisoning of the body;
poor nutrition.

Causes of neurodermatitis

Most often, it is quite difficult to find the cause of the disease; it can be various types of allergies; in adults it can be constant stress, and in children it can be improper nutrition of a nursing mother.

The main reasons include:

Genetics, or more simply put, a hereditary factor;
Problems with the nervous system;
Nervous strain and frequent stress;
Fatigue associated with physical and mental work;
Poorly balanced diet;
Diseases of the digestive organs and their poor functioning;
Food or alcohol intoxication;
Infection.

Classification of neurodermatitis

There are several types of neurodermatitis depending on its location on the child’s body. Among them:

Limited neurodermatitis is characterized by a rash in one place, which has a clear shape and contours. The inflammation occupies a small area and is located mainly on the bends of the elbows, knees, collarbone, and less often on the stomach or chest.
The disseminated form of the disease is formed when several separate lesions on the skin merge into one large one.
The diffuse variant of the disease is most often common in young children. This form is characterized by the presence of rashes on different parts of the body, except for the palms and soles.

There is also a classification of the disease according to the nature of the skin rash:

The psoriasiform type is very similar to psoriasis and is characterized by scaly areas of inflammation.
The white appearance causes lightening of areas of the skin in areas of inflammation.
Decalvating spreads to the face and scalp and can lead to baldness.
The hypertrophic type is characterized by the presence of skin lesions in the form of warts. Most often it spreads in the groin area.
The linear appearance manifests itself in inflamed formations of a linear type on the arms and legs.
Follicular affects precisely the area of hair growth, and has the shape of papules with sharp ends.

Psoriasis type

Depending on the cause of its appearance, neurodermatitis can be divided into two types:

Atopic , when the main cause is heredity. In this case, the disease manifests itself after contact with allergens (pollen, wool, etc.).
Hives develop after external exposure or ingestion of food allergens.

Each form and type of neurodermatitis has its own characteristics.

Symptoms of neurodermatitis + photos

The first signs of neurodermatitis include such primary morphological elements as:

epidermal-dermal papules, which have the usual color characteristic of the skin. These papules in certain places merge with each other, thereby forming zones of continuous papular infiltration.
In these areas, the skin is dry, has a significant amount of excoriation, as well as small scales.
As a result of infiltration, cracks often appear in the areas of skin folds.

Neurodermatitis on the neck
Localization of lesions - various parts of the body, but mainly the damage occurs:

scalp (occipital region),
back and side of the neck,
on the hands - elbow zones,
in the area of the inguinal-femoral fold,
perineum - intergluteal folds, anogenital zone and scrotum,
as well as on the legs in the area of the inner thighs and popliteal fossae.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with:

psoriasis;
lichen planus;
eczema;
prurigo;
mycosis fungoides.

On the face

Neurodermatitis on the face quite often becomes continuous, thereby acquiring the character of a secondary form of erythroderma. Infection of the foci is often observed with the subsequent development of lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes) and lymphangitis. Often the disease is combined with allergic diseases (urticaria, hay fever, asthma).

Neurodermatitis on hands

Neurodermatitis on the hands is manifested by severe itching. More often, the area of the elbow joints and forearms is susceptible to neurodermatitis. Washing the affected areas is painful; using shower gels and moisturizers only aggravates the disease.

There are numerous scales on the skin that turn into weeping crusts.
The crusts fall off, leaving wounds underneath, after which the process repeats again.

The main symptom of the acute stage of the disease is:

unbearable itching, which intensifies at night. Other signs appear later.
At first, the rash resembles red spots, papules and plaques that tend to merge.
Due to scratching, the body is affected by a secondary infection, which turns the elements into pustules - vesicles with contents.
The skin tissues swell and appear puffy.

With limited neurodermatitis, skin lesions are usually represented by:

local itchy plaques no larger than the palm of your hand in the area of the back or side of the neck, inguinal-femoral folds, scrotum, labia, intergluteal fold.
The changed areas of the skin are zones of lichenification, surrounded by disseminated papules along the periphery.
In the late period of neurodermatitis, hyperpigmentation forms along the edges of the lesions, against the background of which, in places of scratching, secondary leukoderma can form - areas of discolored skin.

Symptoms of the diffuse form:

One of the most harmful skin diseases. In addition to the fact that it affects many parts of the body, it also affects the face.
Rashes are observed on the eyelids and lips. They can also appear on the inner sides of the elbow and knee bends.

Relief from such conditions is achieved through ultrasound sessions and physical therapy.

Patients may experience the following symptoms:

feeling of anxiety;
irritability;
depression;
fast fatiguability;
lethargy and apathy;
excessive emotionality;
tearfulness;
sleep disorders.

In some cases, neurodermatitis in adults can cause the development of lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes), and this, in turn, leads to deterioration in the functioning of many organs. As a rule, relapses of the disease occur in the cold season, and in the summer, patients, on the contrary, experience significant improvements in their health.

Persons whose lesions are localized on their hands are subject to the greatest suffering. This is due to the fact that the hands are most susceptible to moisture and mechanical stress, which aggravate the course of the pathological process.

Symptoms

The symptoms of neurodermatitis are quite easy to notice. The first signs of the disease may appear in a child already in the first months of life. As a rule, the older the baby, the more severe the symptoms and the more severe the disease.

Main symptoms:

Redness on the skin does not have a clear contour, but is clearly visible against the background of healthy areas. Bubbles with liquid may appear at the site of redness.
Itching is the main symptom. He can be very strong. With constant scratching, wounds appear and fester may begin.
Feeling unwell due to itching, the baby becomes irritable, sleeps poorly, loses appetite, and the body temperature may rise.
Dry skin and decreased functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Peeling of the skin in inflamed areas.

Symptoms vary depending on the cause of the disease, the type, and the age of the baby.

Main locations:

in infants, lesions mainly affect the face and scalp, less often in places where the limbs are flexed;
in children after two years of age, inflammation is most often located on the arms and legs;
in adolescence, the disease is localized on the wrists, bends of the limbs and face.

At first, the disease can be mistaken for diathesis. But it spreads very quickly and, without the necessary treatment, affects a large area of the body.

A characteristic feature of neurodermatitis is that it does not affect the buttocks and perineal area.

At the first symptoms of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment.

Treatment of neurodermatitis

Drug treatment of neurodermatitis is carried out with antiallergic drugs (Claritin, Suprastin, Zyrtec, etc.) and sedatives (tincture of motherwort, valerian, novopassit).

To relieve itching, your doctor will recommend using ointments that contain hormones, such as hydrocortisone ointment. Such ointments can be used for quite a long time.

If you want to achieve success and truly cure neurodermatitis on your hands or other parts of the body, drug treatment alone may not be enough. It is important to follow the following rules:

Follow a daily routine: limit physical and mental stress, get good sleep and eat right.
Have a full rest. A vacation at a seaside resort is beneficial.
Temper yourself and take a complex of vitamins and minerals selected by your doctor. These measures will help strengthen the immune system and also reduce the symptoms of neurodermatitis.
Avoid stressful conditions.
Approach life with optimism.

If all previous methods do not help and your condition only worsens, your doctor may prescribe treatment with oral hormonal drugs and physiotherapeutic procedures for neurodermatitis. Do not forget that neurodermatitis can be treated with folk remedies, using: herbal decoctions to soothe itching (chamomile, St. John's wort), ointments and creams. Before using such products, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Neurodermatitis is not a dangerous disease, but it can cause skin infections, the spread of which is facilitated by constant scratching.

Diagnostics

Neurodermatitis is quite difficult to diagnose. To identify the disease, you should consult a dermatologist. During the initial examination, the doctor checks:

hereditary predisposition;
presence of allergies;
the nature of the rash;
environmental factors.

Further laboratory tests are prescribed:

general blood analysis;
general stool analysis;
stool test for worms;
blood chemistry;
blood test for immunogram;
skin allergy tests.

In rare cases, consultations with specialized specialists may be necessary to identify chronic diseases, as well as consultation with a neurologist or psychiatrist.

Only after excluding other possible skin diseases can a diagnosis of neurodermatitis be made. Very often the symptoms are similar to inflammatory skin pathologies of a different nature.

Diagnosis of neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis on hands

Most often, the diagnosis is made without much difficulty:

The specialist examines the patient’s skin;
Listens to his complaints and analyzes them;
A blood test for the disease should show an increased number of lymphocytes and eosinophils, ESR should decrease;
If an immunogram is performed, it shows a large number of antibodies that are part of class E;
They take samples for allergens;
Sowing is carried out;
There are cases when you need the help of an otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist and neurologist.

Drug therapy

To reduce unpleasant symptoms and alleviate the child’s general condition, a number of medications are prescribed. For example:

Antihistamines will help relieve itching and reduce inflammation. Among the most popular remedies are Suprastin, Loratadine, Claritin, Zyrtec.
Sedatives will help calm the child and improve his sleep (motherwort, valerian).
Vitamin complexes will boost immunity and give the body strength.
Sorbents will quickly remove toxins from the body (for example, Polypefan, Polysorb, Enterosgel).
Glucocorticosteroids are used for severe disease. They quickly relieve symptoms. The course of administration is very short due to the risk of side effects (Prednisolone, Hydroocortisone).
Enzyme preparations will help improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (Festal, Creon, Pancreatin).
For topical use , ointments and creams that dry, soften and heal the skin in the affected areas (zinc ointment, Bepanten), hormonal ointments are used only in extreme cases.

What is neurodermatitis?

Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin disease of a neurogenic-allergic nature, occurring with periods of exacerbation and remission.

The term was first used in 1891 and characterized a pathological process accompanied by severe skin itching and the formation of scratches . Currently, neurodermatitis is considered to be a disease that accounts for about 40 percent of the total number of skin lesions.

The disease most often manifests itself in childhood, but in the absence of other pathologies it disappears on its own upon the onset of puberty. However, treatment of neurodermatitis is mandatory, since in its absence serious complications can develop : permanent changes in skin texture, formation of compactions, and infection.

As preventive measures, experts strongly recommend strictly following the rules of general hygiene and breastfeeding. At the same time, in order to avoid the development of a pathological process in adults, adherence to professional and mental (psychological hygiene) is recommended.

Diet

A special diet plays an important role in the treatment of neurodermatitis. It is necessary to organize split meals for the child throughout the day. It should be complete and light. The most important thing in dietary nutrition is to exclude all allergenic foods:

honey;
chocolate;
citrus;
fish;
eggs.

The basis of nutrition should be:

lean meat;
porridge;
vegetable purees;
green fruits;
dairy products
fruit drinks, compotes.

Your baby should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. You can gradually introduce new products, but this must be done gradually. As your baby's condition improves, you can return to your previous varied diet.

Diet for neurodermatitis

Most often, the disease occurs against the background of allergies or gastrointestinal dysfunction, so following a diet for patients with neurodermatitis is a prerequisite for successful treatment.

It is necessary to increase the consumption of such substances:

green and white vegetables and fruits (cabbage, zucchini, squash, green beans, green peas, green apples, pears, plums, gooseberries, white currants);
parsley, lettuce and dill;
vegetable fats;
butter;
mild cheeses;
products containing yeast;
cereals and pasta;
biscuits and biscuits;
meat;
cottage cheese;
vegetable and milk soups;
fermented milk drinks;
dried fruit compotes;
jelly;
rosehip decoction;
green tea;
mineral water.

Nutrition for neurodermatitis should be balanced and contain all the substances necessary for the body. But at the same time, it is necessary to exclude from the diet foods that can serve as allergens and cause an exacerbation of the disease.

Prohibited foods:

Vegetables and fruits of red, orange or yellow color (apricots, peaches, citrus fruits, pomegranate, persimmons, strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin, beets).
Spinach, asparagus, sorrel and rhubarb.
Sugar, sweets and honey.
Salty, spicy and smoked foods.
Eggs, fish and fresh milk.
White bread.
Soybeans, lentils.
Chocolate, candy.
Potato chips, french fries, fast food.
Rich broth, semi-finished products.
Herbs and spices (horseradish, vinegar, mustard, pepper, onion, garlic).
Nuts and peanut butter.
Black and red grapes.
Coffee, cocoa, black tea.
Carbonated drinks.
Products with preservatives, dyes, thickeners and other chemicals.
Spirits (beer, wine, champagne)

Diet rules for neurodermatitis:

If neurodermatitis develops against the background of obesity, then it is necessary to simultaneously fight excess weight: arrange fasting days, limit the calorie content of your diet to 2000 Kcal per day;
The menu should contain a lot of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and fiber, because... they improve digestion and cleanse the intestines;
It is advisable to limit your consumption of fish, because some types of fish can cause allergies. Meat can only be eaten in lean varieties and in combination with herbs;
Low-fat cheeses, fermented milk drinks, vegetable oils, teas, cereals and berries are also allowed into the diet.

Folk recipes

A good additional way to speed up the recovery process of a baby’s body with neurodermatitis is traditional medicine. She offers many recipes to alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

Herbal medicine recipes:

Chamomile is good for calming a child. You need to brew a tablespoon of herb with a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour and give the child 1-5 teaspoons 3 times a day.
Peppermint is a great way to soothe severe itching. To do this, you need to chop mint leaves, pour boiling water and apply the resulting pulp to the affected areas.
Calendula, sage, celandine and string very well relieve itching, reduce inflammation and calm the child. You need to brew three tablespoons of the herbal mixture and pour it into the bath, then bathe the child.
A bath with oak bark, sage and horsetail very effectively relieves inflammation and accelerates skin healing. You need to pour boiling water over three tablespoons of the herbal mixture, simmer over low heat for half an hour and pour into the bath.

Folk remedies

Before using traditional methods for neurodermatitis, be sure to consult a dermatologist. Because there are contraindications

Burdock root tincture 1 tablespoon burdock root 200 ml water Grind the burdock root. Heat 200 ml of water and add the burdock. Boil for 15 minutes. Remove from the stove and wrap in a warm cloth. Leave for 2 hours. Drink the resulting tincture three times a day, one tablespoon at a time.
A tincture of oak bark leaves, birch leaves, nettle, flaxseeds, mint, coriander and wormwood is applied with a bandage to the affected areas, left until completely dry, then replaced with a compress. Such lotions are especially effective for treating neurodermatitis on the hands. Repeat the procedure until the symptoms begin to disappear;
Herbal lotions. To relieve inflammation, infusions are prepared strong. Add 15 tablespoons of dry herbs to 1 liter of boiled water. They are poured with boiling water and left for about 10 hours. To prepare such a remedy, you need the following plants: chamomile, mint, marshmallow root, string, juniper, thyme, oregano, St. John's wort.
Clay compress: 20 g blue clay, 20 g sea salt, water Stir the clay with sea salt, add water. The consistency of the mixture should resemble sour cream. Apply the clay to the affected areas and hold until dry. Rinse off with warm water. This compress should be done daily for two weeks.
Take hop cones and string leaves (1:1). Pour 2 teaspoons of the mixture into 200 ml of boiling water. Leave and drink before bed in one dose.

Forecast

The progression of the disease depends on when the diagnosis was made and treatment started. Neurodermatitis, which appears at an early age due to the immaturity of the child’s body, can be cured quite easily and quickly. In such cases, the main thing is to organize a proper daily routine and proper nutrition for the child, and to eliminate possible contacts with allergens. As the child grows, the immune system matures and stops responding to such irritations.

If neurodermatitis occurs in adolescence or even older, then treatment should be complete and comprehensive. With insufficient treatment, the disease can become chronic, and then relapses will occur throughout life.

Prevention

Prevention of neurodermatitis involves eliminating “trigger factors” and normalizing diet and rest. As a rule, the period of exacerbation of the disease occurs in winter and early spring. At this time, patients need to avoid stress, carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene and adhere to an anti-allergic diet high in plant products.

Regular vitamin therapy, taking supplements with polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) and getting enough sleep will also reduce the risk and intensity of exacerbation of the disease.

In some cases, doctors recommend drug prevention of neurodermatitis, including immunomodulators, long-term use of 3-4 generation antihistamines and special allergen therapy.

Complications

Properly selected and timely treatment will help cure neurodermatitis in children almost without complications. In addition, the local form is much easier. With a more severe and prolonged course of the disease, certain complications may arise:

Secondary infection occurs as a result of constant scratching of itchy areas of the skin and the entry of microbes and fungi into them.
“Atopic March” is a combination of skin allergy symptoms and symptoms from the respiratory system (bronchial asthma, chronic runny nose, otitis media, lacrimation).
Hill's erythroderma - damage to more than 90% of the body, characteristic of infancy.

To avoid such serious complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the first symptoms of neurodermatitis and begin treatment.

Neurodermatitis in children is a fairly common disease. The disease occurs due to the immaturity of children's immunity. There are quite a few allergenic factors that can trigger this disease.

Treatment should be started as soon as possible. Therapy is prescribed by a doctor after all necessary tests have been carried out. In addition to drug treatment, you should follow a hypoallergenic diet. Physiotherapy sessions and traditional medicine recipes will help speed up the recovery process.

In the early stages, neurodermatitis can be quickly cured. But advanced forms can become a chronic disease and cause serious complications. Preventive measures will help reduce the risk of neurodermatitis in a child and avoid its complications. Such measures include a healthy diet, a proper daily routine, reducing contact with possible allergens and a favorable environment.

Causes

Atopic dermatitis belongs to the group of allergic dermatoses. Due to the numerous reasons that cause its characteristic papular rashes. According to statistics, 3 out of 10 patients with dermatological problems suffer from neurodermatitis .

Reasons that can trigger the development of the disease include:

General concepts about contact dermatitis

Endocrine disorders (pregnancy, hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, insufficient production of adrenal and sex hormones).
Predisposition to allergic reactions, immune disorders (bronchial asthma, vasomotor rhinitis, urticaria).
Stress, intense physical activity, disruption of sleep, nutrition and rest.
The presence of chronic diseases (gastritis, sinusitis).
Intoxication of the body.
Reaction to medications, vaccines, household and food allergens.
Having bad habits.
Stress.
Environmental factors and harmful working conditions (working with powder materials, dyes).

The reasons given above are trigger factors for exacerbation of the disease. Predisposition to pathology is determined mainly genetically.

Weeping dermatitis: features of the disease and treatment options

The mechanism of neurodermatitis is based on a change in the normal ratio between different types of T-lymphocytes. It leads to the active production of immunoglobulins E (reagins) and cytokines.

As a result of interaction with irritants, an allergic inflammatory reaction begins in the patient’s body. Inflammation is enhanced by fungal and coccal skin infections, as well as bacterial and mycotic systemic diseases. Low activity of the adrenal glands, which produce anti-inflammatory hormones (corticosteroids), makes the treatment of neurodermatitis difficult.

Symptoms

The first and most obvious symptom is unbearable itching at the site of the lesion.

The reddish nodules and plaques (spots) that appear on the skin itch so much that the child begins to behave restlessly, refuse to eat, and may even have trouble sleeping. Following itching, scratching and inflammation appear due to the easy accessibility of deeper layers of skin to bacteria. In affected areas, the skin becomes very dry, peels and cracks. During treatment or without an exacerbation, the affected areas may not differ in any way from healthy skin.

Neurodermatitis is characterized by seasonality - exacerbations often occur in autumn and spring. There is also a connection between the disease and the psycho-emotional state of the child - exacerbations occur at moments of greatest tension, anxiety and discomfort in relation to others in the child.