Difference between allergic dermatitis and neurodermatitis

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 29, 2024
00:00
00:00

Neurodermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by episodic severe itching and lichenoid skin changes. Its causes may be related to various factors including neuropsychiatric factors, diet, local skin irritation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and endocrine disorders. It commonly occurs in the neck, elbows, knees, sacrococcygeal region, perineum, and around the anus. The lesions are characterized by pinhead- or rice-grain-sized polygonal flat papules, which are pale red, pale brown, or normal skin colored, with a hard and glossy texture. They may be covered with a small amount of scale, and over time, the lesions can merge into large plaques, with the local skin becoming thickened and rough, showing lichenoid changes. Allergic dermatitis is an allergic reaction disease caused by contact with allergens. Its lesions are diverse, which can be erythema, papules, vesicles, swelling, and accompanied by itching. Therefore, localized allergic dermatitis due to improper treatment, lack of timely treatment, or repeated scratching, can develop into neurodermatitis.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
58sec home-news-image

How to treat alcoholic dermatitis?

Alcohol allergy has caused dermatitis, presenting an allergic reaction with symptoms such as rash, generalized itching, and dizziness. Oral administration of loratadine or levocetirizine tablets can be used for anti-allergy treatment. If the rash is severe and covers a large area, an external application of calamine lotion can be used, which has anti-allergic and astringent effects. If oral medication is less effective, intravenous administration of calcium gluconate and high doses of vitamin C can be considered, along with the addition of dexamethasone for anti-allergy treatment, which generally provides relief. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid alcohol and try to eliminate it from the body, which can be facilitated by inducing vomiting or using laxatives to prevent reabsorption that could worsen the dermatitis or cause chronic issues. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 4sec home-news-image

How to cure allergic dermatitis completely?

To fundamentally treat allergic dermatitis, it is essential to first clarify the cause and identify which allergen triggers it to avoid contact. In terms of treatment, it often involves a combination of oral and topical medications. Oral medications typically include antihistamines, such as loratadine dispersible tablets, cetirizine tablets, or fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets. These can be supplemented with compound glycyrrhizin tablets or vitamin C tablets, calcium gluconate, or treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine differential diagnosis. For topical use, corticosteroid ointments or calcineurin inhibitors can be chosen to help. Regular skin care is crucial, using moisturizing lotions to maintain the barrier function of the skin, making it less susceptible to irritation and reducing the chance of recurrent allergic dermatitis. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 15sec home-news-image

Difference between allergic dermatitis and neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by episodic severe itching and lichenoid skin changes. Its causes may be related to various factors including neuropsychiatric factors, diet, local skin irritation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and endocrine disorders. It commonly occurs in the neck, elbows, knees, sacrococcygeal region, perineum, and around the anus. The lesions are characterized by pinhead- or rice-grain-sized polygonal flat papules, which are pale red, pale brown, or normal skin colored, with a hard and glossy texture. They may be covered with a small amount of scale, and over time, the lesions can merge into large plaques, with the local skin becoming thickened and rough, showing lichenoid changes. Allergic dermatitis is an allergic reaction disease caused by contact with allergens. Its lesions are diverse, which can be erythema, papules, vesicles, swelling, and accompanied by itching. Therefore, localized allergic dermatitis due to improper treatment, lack of timely treatment, or repeated scratching, can develop into neurodermatitis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
1min 5sec home-news-image

How to treat eczema dermatitis in pregnant women?

Pregnant women's eczema is a relatively common disease during pregnancy. Eczema is a rash-like change in the skin that occurs after pregnancy. First, we must exclude a pregnancy-specific disease called cholestasis of pregnancy. Cholestasis of pregnancy primarily manifests as skin itching, starting initially in the palms and soles of the feet and can spread to various parts of the body, with abdominal itching being the most severe. It differs from eczema mainly in that eczema usually involves changes in the skin, but the itching from cholestasis of pregnancy does not show obvious changes on the skin surface. If cholestasis of pregnancy is excluded, we can manage the condition based on the dermatologist's advice. For mild cases, some topical medications, such as calamine lotion, can be used without significant effects on the baby. If the eczema is severe or even affects sleep, sedative medications may be used before bedtime, or some oral antihistamines can help treat the condition. (Please follow the doctor's prescription when taking any medication.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
58sec home-news-image

Is eczema contagious?

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a particular type of eczema that overall falls under allergic diseases. It is related to individual allergic constitution, familial inheritance, and allergies to high-protein substances. This disease usually manifests in childhood and symptoms may decrease as one ages. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious; it cannot be spread through contact, sharing clothes, or living together. However, the treatment cycle for this condition is lengthy and challenging. It is crucial to seek proper treatment in the dermatology department of a reputable hospital. Allergy testing can be conducted followed by desensitization or medication treatment specific to the symptoms identified. After recovery, it is important to enhance physical exercise, strengthen immunity, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late.