Neurodermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus, is a skin condition that involves excessive itching and scratching, leading to inflamed patches on the skin. It is not life-threatening or contagious, but it rarely goes away on its own without treatment. When people scratch areas of neurodermatitis, they can irritate the nerves in the skin, which can lead to a chronic itch-and-scratch cycle that prevents healing.

If you are suffering from any itching or scratching on your skin, read on to see if it might be neurodermatitis and what you can do about it.

Causes and Risk Factors

Neurodermatitis affects up to 12% of the population.

The exact cause of neurodermatitis is unknown. However, it tends to occur more often in women than men, and in people with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or psoriasis.

The condition is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, and it rarely occurs in children.

Research suggests that having an anxiety disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can increase your risk of neurodermatitis. Stress also may increase your risk.

Other potential causes, or "triggers," for neurodermatitis may include:

• Extremely dry skin
• Allergies
• Poor blood flow
• Bug bites
• An injured nerve
• Wearing clothing that is too tight
• Sweating or heat
• Exposure to traffic exhaust
  

Signs and Symptoms

Neurodermatitis is usually found on the arms, legs, hands, back of the neck, scalp, face, and genital areas. However, it can occur anywhere on the body.

The dry, itchy areas of skin usually measure between 3 centimeters and 10 centimeters in length and width. The patchy areas can be red, brown, gray, or purple and can eventually scar.

The areas may also appear:

• Scaly
• Dry
• Leathery
• Thicker than surrounding skin

The most common and irritating symptom of neurodermatitis is intense and frequent itchiness. The itching can be constant or come and go over time. The itching may also become more intense when trying to rest or sleep. For this reason, neurodermatitis can impair a person's quality of sleep and cause additional stress, especially if the condition goes untreated.

Other symptoms of neurodermatitis include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Open sores due to constant scratching
• Hair loss if the condition occurs on the scalp
• Infection

Chronic scratching can also lead to scarring on the skin.

Diagnosis

To be diagnosed with neurodermatitis, make an appointment with a healthcare provider, including a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin conditions).

Neurodermatitis can be diagnosed using tests that can help rule out other conditions, including:

• Skin swabs to test for infection
• Patch tests to test for allergies
• Fungal tests, which can rule out certain types of skin infections
• Skin biopsies (removing sample tissue for further examination) to look for other skin disorders
• Blood tests

Treatment

If diagnosed with neurodermatitis, the most important step in treating it is to stop scratching, touching, or rubbing the affected area.

However, avoiding the site altogether can be challenging for patients as the itching may become intolerable. It's essential to see your healthcare provider and develop a treatment plan that can help you prevent itching the area.

Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for treatment. Treatment might include:

• Topical corticosteroid medication that can stop itching and allow the skin to heal
• Antihistamine medications that can reduce itching
• Covering the affected areas if you accidentally itch due to habit or while sleeping
  
• Cutting fingernails so if you do forget to not scratch, there will be minor damage to the site

Some people need to try several types of treatments to see what is most effective for them.

Eliminating neurodermatitis from ever returning can be difficult. However, there are ways to help prevent a recurrence, such as:

• Reduce stress. Ongoing stress might trigger a flare-up (worsening of symptoms) or recurrence. You may want to speak with a mental health professional to help you manage your stress or anxiety.
• Wear loose clothing that is not irritating to the skin. Avoid wearing shapewear and tight clothing, especially wool or polyester and other synthetic fabrics.
• Avoiding being unnecessarily overheated, especially if sweat is a trigger for you.
• Continue to go to your medical appointments and follow the recommended plan of action.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any difficulties with your treatment plan to find a solution that works for you.

Coping With Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis rarely goes away without medical treatment, and it can also recur.

Medications that help stop the itching by numbing the area may help people cope with neurodermatitis while it is healing. Other oral medications such as antihistamines can help to relieve itching and break the itch-scratch cycle.

Stress and anxiety can trigger neurodermatitis, and having the condition also can lead to stress and anxiety. It may help to:

• Work with a therapist to deal with mental health issues that may be contributing to your neurodermatitis.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.
  

If you have any questions regarding coping strategies for neurodermatitis, talk to your healthcare provider for other recommendations that might help you.

Summary

Neurodermatitis is a skin condition that is characterized by excessive itching or scratching. It can lead to painful, inflamed patches on the skin. Treatment options are available to treat neurodermatitis, and there are measures a person can take to prevent it from recurring.

A Word From Verywell

Neurodermatitis can be a frustrating and irritating condition. If you have dry, itchy areas of skin, it may be time for you to see a healthcare provider or a dermatologist for a diagnosis. An effective treatment plan can help you treat and cope with neurodermatitis and even prevent future flare-ups.