The difference between neurodermatitis and allergic dermatitis

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by paroxysmal severe itching and lichenoid skin changes. Its main causes may be related to various internal and external factors such as neuropsychiatric factors, gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine disorders, diet, and local skin irritation. It commonly occurs on the neck, elbows, lumbosacral area, inner thighs, perineum, and around the anus. The skin lesions are characterized by pinpoint or rice grain-sized polygonal flat papules that are pale red, tan, or normal skin color, with a hard and glossy texture. They may be covered with a small amount of scale and, over time, can merge into large plaques, leading to thickened, rough skin with lichenoid changes.

Allergic dermatitis is an hypersensitivity reaction skin disease caused by contact with various allergens, characterized by diverse skin lesions such as erythema, papules, vesicles, swelling, and itching, which can occur all over the body. However, localized allergic dermatitis, if treated improperly or not treated in a timely manner, or due to repeated scratching, can potentially develop into neurodermatitis.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to treat diaper rash dermatitis?

Diaper dermatitis is primarily a type of contact dermatitis that occurs because the diapers soaked with urine and feces are not changed in time. Decomposition materials in urine and feces irritate the skin, causing inflammation. The main treatment involves keeping the buttocks dry and changing diapers frequently. It is necessary to wash the buttocks, genital area, and surrounding skin with clean water daily, and to rinse the anus and surrounding skin with water after bowel movements. Diapers should be thoroughly rinsed with clean water and not wrapped with plastic on the outside. If using disposable diapers, choose ones that are soft, not rough, and breathable. If there is a bacterial or fungal infection, topical antibiotics or antifungal medications should be used. For mild cases with only redness, consider keeping the buttocks dry. In cases where there is significant erosion, some medications may be used for intervention. If there is skin redness, topical calamine lotion can be applied. If the diaper dermatitis is severe and the baby is fussy and uncomfortable, it is advised to visit a hospital for a doctor to provide treatment based on the specific condition of the baby.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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.)

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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Is chronic dermatitis related to the summer?

Dermatitis is mostly caused by allergies, and there are many allergenic factors that can trigger dermatitis. For example, frequently consuming spicy and irritating foods, often staying up late, or having low immunity. Some patients may also develop dermatitis due to allergies to pollen or dust mites. If it is photodermatitis, it may be somewhat related to the strong ultraviolet rays in the summer. Patients with this type of dermatitis often experience flare-ups in the summer and natural relief during the autumn and winter seasons, which is considered seasonal dermatitis. In such cases, it is essential to avoid prolonged sun exposure in the summer, apply sunscreen generously, and take proper sun protection measures. Doing so can gradually alleviate the condition. Additionally, taking some anti-allergic medications orally, such as loratadine tablets, might be appropriate. If the itching is severe, topical corticosteroid creams can be applied.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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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.)