Foods to Avoid for Neurodermatitis

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by episodic severe itching and lichenoid changes in the skin. It is a neurofunctional disorder. The causes of the disease may be related to neuropsychiatric factors, gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine disorders, local skin irritation, diet, and other internal and external factors. Clinically, it is generally advised for patients to minimize alcohol consumption, reduce intake of spicy and hot foods, and avoid irritants such as shrimp, crab, and other seafood.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can garlic treat neurodermatitis?

Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by episodic severe itching and lichenoid skin changes due to neurofunctional disorders. Clinically, topical medications are chosen based on the characteristics, location, and type of skin lesions. Commonly used topical medications include corticosteroid ointments, tar-based moisturizing ointments, and anti-itch ointments. From the perspective of Chinese medicine, garlic can be used topically to kill insects and relieve itching, but it has strong irritants that can cause skin redness, blisters, and itching. Therefore, we do not recommend patients to use garlic to treat neurodermatitis.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Treatment methods for neurodermatitis

The treatment of neurodermatitis includes three aspects. The first aspect is instructing patients to avoid various stimuli such as scratching and rubbing and providing certain psychological treatments to break the vicious cycle of itching and scratching. The second aspect involves the use of topical medications. Depending on the characteristics and location of the rash, appropriate use of steroid ointments and anti-itch moisturizing creams is advised, and occlusive treatment methods may be employed in severe cases. If the rash covers a large area or is widespread, options like ultraviolet light exposure, medicinal baths, or mineral baths can be considered. The third aspect is the treatment with systemic medications, which may include oral antihistamines, calcium supplements, vitamin C, and so on.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can neurodermatitis heal by itself?

The main characteristic of neurodermatitis is that the skin shows lichenoid changes and paroxysmal intense itching. During the course of the disease, it is easy to form a vicious cycle of itching, scratching, more itching, and more scratching, which further develops the disease. Therefore, neurodermatitis generally has a chronic course, is perennially incurable, or recurs frequently, and its chances of cure are extremely low.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can people with neurodermatitis eat fish?

Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by episodic severe itching and lichenoid changes in the skin. The cause of this condition may be related to various internal and external factors including neuropsychiatric factors, gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine disorders, local skin irritation, and diet. Therefore, we generally advise patients with neurodermatitis to minimize alcohol consumption, avoid spicy and hot foods, and restrict intake of fish, shrimp, crab, and other seafood that may exacerbate the condition.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Early symptoms of neurodermatitis

The early symptoms of neurodermatitis primarily manifest as small, flat polygonal papules the size of pinpoints or rice grains on the skin of the neck, sacral area, elbows, inner thighs, perineum, and around the anus. These can appear red, light red, or light brown and are relatively hard in texture. The surface may have a small amount of coagulated blood. Due to episodic severe itching, a vicious cycle of itching, scratching, more itching, and more scratching occurs during the course of the disease, which can lead to the merging of rashes into large patches.