Why get neurodermatitis?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on March 15, 2025
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The causes of neurodermatitis are not yet fully understood. It is generally believed to be related to several factors: 1. Neuro-psychiatric factors, such as irritability, anxiety, tension, sadness, fatigue, insomnia, etc.; 2. Local skin irritation, for example, friction from shirt collars, desks, contact with chemical substances, localized infections, sweat soak, localized sun exposure, etc.; 3. Dietary factors, such as drinking alcohol, consuming spicy foods, seafood, and other potential triggers; 4. Gastrointestinal dysfunction; 5. Endocrine disorders, and more. These reasons may contribute to the development of neurodermatitis.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What oral medicine is taken for neurodermatitis?

Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by paroxysmal severe itching and lichenoid changes in the skin. Its causes may be related to various internal and external factors such as neuropsychiatric factors, gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine disorders, diet, and local skin irritation. Clinically, we often combine the application of topical medications with oral systemic medications. Commonly used oral medications include antihistamines, calcium supplements, vitamin C, and can also be combined with the use of glutathione vitamin B1, vitamin B12, and complex vitamin B, etc. If sleep is affected, sedative hypnotics can be added before bedtime, commonly including doxepin and diazepam. For extensive skin lesions, oral administration of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets can be combined.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What to do about neurodermatitis during lactation?

Neurodermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by paroxysmal severe itching and lichenoid changes in the skin. If neurodermatitis occurs during breastfeeding, we should go to the hospital. Firstly, avoid scratching, friction, and other irritations, maintain a peaceful mindset, wear cotton clothing, and reduce localized stimulations. Diet-wise, intake of alcohol should be reduced, as well as spicy and irritating foods, and one should avoid eating shellfish, seafood, and other potentially aggravating foods. Secondly, appropriate topical medications should be used, such as moisturizing anti-itch ointments and traditional Chinese medicine ointments, and the use of corticosteroid ointments should be minimized. Thirdly, try not to take oral medications.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What are the symptoms of neurodermatitis?

The symptoms of neurodermatitis primarily manifest as flat papules the size of pinpoints or rice grains on parts of the body such as the neck, sacral region, elbows, knees, inner thighs, perineum, and around the anus. The surface of these papules may have a small amount of scale and exhibit paroxysmal, intense itching. Due to this, a vicious cycle of itching and scratching can develop during the course of the disease, causing local skin lesions to merge into large patches. The skin becomes thicker and rougher, resembling lichenification, and shows episodes of severe itching.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can laser treat neurodermatitis effectively?

Neurodermatitis is a type of allergic disease, mostly developed from dermatitis, eczema, or common allergic reactions. It is generally treated with oral and topical medications, which can control or cure the condition. There is generally no need for laser treatment. Although the skin of neurodermatitis may thicken and proliferate, and the treatment results may be slow, laser treatment can cause extensive damage to the epidermis, making it more difficult to heal later. It is essential to receive proper treatment in the dermatology department of a regular hospital for neurodermatitis. Instead of using laser, treatment can include oral and topical medications, along with options like red or blue light therapy or liquid nitrogen freezing. After recovery, it's important to regulate your diet and lifestyle habits, avoid staying up late, exercise appropriately, and not wash with hot water.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to completely cure neurodermatitis?

Most cases of neurodermatitis cannot be completely cured, especially those with severe symptoms and thick localized skin lesions, and can only be managed by treatment to improve symptoms. Only some cases of neurodermatitis, where the lesions have just appeared and are relatively thin, can potentially be cured with medication. For mild localized symptoms, it is possible to use compound flumethasone ointment or urea ointment. If the symptoms are severe and the skin lesions are thick, it is advisable to seek treatment at a dermatology department of a regular hospital using cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Additionally, taking some traditional Chinese medicines that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis orally, and applying potent steroids locally can also help improve symptoms. However, once the treatment stops, the condition may relapse. Therefore, it is crucial to treat neurodermatitis promptly upon detection and not wait until the condition worsens. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)