What ointment to apply for neurodermatitis?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on April 02, 2025
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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 skin changes. The characteristic skin lesions mainly consist of polygonal, flat papules that range in color from pale red, pale brown to normal skin tone. They are relatively hard and shiny with a small amount of scale on the surface. Over time, the lesions can merge into plaques, and the local skin becomes thickened and rough with lichen-like changes. Therefore, in clinical practice, various topical medications are rationally used based on the characteristics, types, and locations of these lesions. The common types of topical medications include glucocorticoid ointments, tar ointments, and moisturizing antipruritic ointments. Commonly used medications include hydrocortisone butyrate ointment, desonide ointment, mometasone furoate ointment, halometasone ointment, fluticasone propionate ointment, 10% black soybean distillate ointment, 5%-10% Konju butter or coal tar ointment, pine distillate ointment, urea vitamin E ointment, etc.

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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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Why get neurodermatitis?

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 foods should be avoided with neurodermatitis?

Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common skin disorder characterized by episodic intense itching and lichenoid skin changes. It is a chronic inflammatory dermatoneurosis. The causes of neurodermatitis may be related to a variety of internal and external factors including neuropsychiatric factors, gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine disorders, diet, and local irritation. After being diagnosed with neurodermatitis, it is generally recommended that patients minimize alcohol consumption and reduce intake of spicy, pungent foods, as well as shrimp, crab, and other potentially aggravating seafood.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What vitamins should be taken for neurodermatitis?

The clinical characteristics of neurodermatitis primarily include lichenoid changes on the skin and episodic severe itching. Therefore, clinically, we generally administer oral antihistamines and calcium supplements. However, since the etiology might be related to neuropsychiatric factors, we often also combine these with oral vitamin B1, vitamin B12, complex B vitamins, vitamin C, and glutathione, among others.

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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.