How to treat neurodermatitis

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on April 09, 2025
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The treatment of neurodermatitis consists of three aspects. First, patients should be advised to avoid scratching, rubbing, and other irritations, and appropriate psychological treatment should be provided to interrupt the vicious cycle of itching and scratching. Second, the use of topical medications should be based on the location and characteristics of the rash. Hormonal ointments, anti-itch moisturizing ointments can be rationally selected, and occlusive treatments can be applied in severe cases. If the rash is widespread, treatments such as medicated baths and ultraviolet light exposure may be chosen. Thirdly, the treatment involves systemic medications, mainly including oral antihistamines, calcium supplements, vitamins, and so on.

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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 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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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.

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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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What ointment to apply for neurodermatitis?

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.