Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Neurodermatitis starts with a patch of itchy skin, but scratching it makes the area even itchier.
Eventually you may scratch simply out of habit. his cycle of chronic itching and scratching can
cause the affected skin to become thick and leathery.
Neurodermatitis ! also known as lichen simple" chronicus ! isn#t serious, but breaking the
itch$scratch cycle is challenging.
Successful treatment of neurodermatitis depends on identifying and eliminating factors that may
be aggravating the problem. %ver$the$counter and prescription creams can help ease
neurodermatitis symptoms.
Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic Staff
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
he 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.
he itchiness, which can be very intense, tends to come and go. Eventually you may scratch
simply out of habit.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if&
You catch yourself repeatedly scratching the same patch of skin.
he itch pre!ents you from sleeping or focusing on your daily routines.
Your skin "ecomes painful or looks infected.
Causes
By Mayo Clinic Staff
he e"act cause of neurodermatitis isn#t known. Sometimes neurodermatitis begins with
something that simply rubs or irritates the skin, such as tight clothing or a bug bite. 's you rub or
scratch the area, it gets itchier. he more you scratch, the more it itches.
(n some cases, neurodermatitis is associated with other skin conditions ! such as dry skin,
ec)ema or psoriasis. Stress and an"iety can trigger itching, too.
Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Certain factors may increase your risk of neurodermatitis, including&
Your sex and age. *omen are much more likely to develop neurodermatitis than are
men. he condition is most common between ages +, and -,.
Other skin conditions. .eople with a personal or family history of ec)ema, psoriasis or
similar skin conditions are more likely to develop neurodermatitis.
Anxiety disorders. 'n"iety and stress can trigger the itch associated with
neurodermatitis.
Complications
By Mayo Clinic Staff
.ersistent scratching can lead to a bacterial skin infection and permanent scars or changes in skin
color. Scratching may also disrupt your sleep.
Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic Staff
/ou may start by seeing your primary care physician. 0owever, you may then be referred to a
doctor who speciali)es in skin disorders 1dermatologist2.
Because appointments can be brief, and there#s often a lot of ground to cover, it#s a good idea to
arrive well prepared. 0ere#s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and
what to e"pect from your doctor.
What you can do
Write don any symptoms you!re experiencing" including any that may seem
unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
Write don key personal information" including any ma3or stresses or recent life
changes.
#ake a list of all medications" vitamins or supplements you#re taking.
Write don $uestions to ask your doctor.
/our time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of 4uestions can help you make the
most of your time together. 5or neurodermatitis, some basic 4uestions to ask your doctor include&
*hat#s the most likely cause of my itching6
're there other possible causes6
7o ( need any tests6
*ill the itching ever stop6
*hat treatments are available, and which do you recommend6
*hat side effects can ( e"pect from treatment6
're there any alternatives to the primary approach that you#re suggesting6
0ow long will it take for my skin to return to normal6
( have other health conditions. 0ow can ( best manage these conditions together6
What to expect from your doctor
/our doctor is likely to ask you a number of 4uestions. Being ready to answer them may reserve
time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. /our doctor may ask&
*hen did your symptoms start6
0ave your symptoms been continuous, or do they come and go6
*hat steps have you taken on your own to manage the itchiness6
0ave any of these measures helped
%ests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic Staff
7iagnosis is typically based on your skin#s appearance and a history of itching and scratching. o
rule out other causes, your doctor may remove a small sample of your affected skin for testing.
%reatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic Staff
o stop the stubborn itch$scratch cycle, you must stop scratching the affected area. /our doctor
may recommend one or more of the following treatments.
Medications
7epending on the intensity of your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe&
Corticosteroids. If o!er#the#counter steroid creams aren$t enough, your doctor may
prescri"e stronger !ersions of these drugs.
Antihistamines. hese anti#allergy drugs can help relie!e itching in many people %ith
neurodermatitis.
Anti-anxiety drugs. Because anxiety and stress can trigger neurodermatitis symptoms,
anti#anxiety drugs often can help pre!ent the itchiness associated %ith the disorder.
Antibiotics. If you de!elop a "acterial infection in the rash, your doctor may prescri"e
an anti"iotic lotion or oral anti"iotics.
Therapy
alking with a counselor can help you learn how your emotions and behaviors can fuel ! or
prevent ! itching and scratching.
&ifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic Staff
o lessen the itch and irritation caused by neurodermatitis, follow these tips&
%ry o'er(the(counter medications. 'pply an anti$itch cream or lotion to the affected
area. ' nonprescription hydrocortisone cream can temporarily relieve the itch. '
nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine 1Benadryl, others2, may be
helpful if itching is severe.
Co'er the affected area. Bandages or dressings can help protect the skin and prevent
scratching. his may be especially important if you scratch during your sleep.
)eep your nails trimmed. Short nails may do less damage to the skin, especially if you
tend to scratch while you#re asleep.
%ake cool *aths. Sprinkle the bath water with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or
colloidal oatmeal ! a finely ground oatmeal that is made for the bathtub 1'veeno,
others2.
Wear smooth(textured cotton clothing. his will help you avoid irritation.
Choose mild soaps ithout dyes or perfumes. Be sure to rinse the soap completely off
your body. 'nd after washing, apply an unscented moisturi)er to protect your skin.
)eep stress under control. Stress and an"iety can trigger itching.