The difference between neurodermatitis and tinea

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on March 08, 2025
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Neurodermatitis and tinea are very different diseases; they are two completely distinct conditions. Tinea is caused by a fungal infection, whereas neurodermatitis is a neurological disorder and has no connection to fungal infections. Additionally, the clinical manifestations of these two diseases are also different. Neurodermatitis often occurs on the neck, elbows, face, and other areas, presenting as lichenoid changes and generally does not have obvious papules, whereas tinea typically shows clear papules.

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Can neurodermatitis turn into cancer?

Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by episodic severe itching and lichenoid skin changes. It is a neurofunctional dermatosis, and its causes may be related to various internal and external factors, including neuropsychiatric factors, diet, gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine disorders, and local skin irritation. Currently, there are no clinical reports of neurodermatitis transforming into cancer, so it generally does not become cancerous.

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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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What trace element is lacking in neurodermatitis?

Neurodermatitis, also known as chronic simple lichen, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by periodic severe itching and lichen-like changes in the skin due to neurological dysfunction. The exact causes of neurodermatitis are still unclear. It is not merely related to deficiencies in certain trace elements. It is generally considered to be related to an imbalance in the excitatory and inhibitory functions of the cerebral cortex, possibly linked to mental stress such as impatience, excessive contemplation, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. Some patients' conditions may be associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine disruption, an unbalanced diet including excessive alcohol consumption, intake of spicy foods, shellfish, etc., as well as local irritants like rigid collars, wool plants, chemicals, and scratching. All these internal and external factors play a role. The treatment of neurodermatitis mainly focuses on avoiding various irritants such as scratching and friction. Psychological therapies also assist by breaking the vicious cycle of scratching and itching. The primary treatment approach involves topical medications, supplemented by traditional Chinese medicine. Systemic medications might include antihistamines for itching relief, along with supplements like calcium, vitamin C, thiamine, and various B vitamins, all of which aid in recovery.

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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.)

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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.