What trace element is lacking in neurodermatitis?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on December 18, 2024
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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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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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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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How to treat neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis, also known as simple lichen, commonly occurs on the eyelids, elbows, neck, and sacral areas. It exhibits recurrent symptoms such as skin lesions and itching. It is necessary to enhance skin moisturization, avoid excessive irritants such as friction, and provide anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment. Oral medications such as levocetirizine tablets, moisturizing and anti-itching capsules, compound glycyrrhizin tablets, Guweisupian tablets, or Duluoping tablets, along with topical application of tacrolimus ointment, or early use of potent steroids such as halometasone cream or betamethasone valerate cream, can control the symptoms of skin lesions. However, steroid creams should not be used for prolonged periods as they can cause side effects including skin atrophy and hypertrichosis.

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Symptoms of neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is a common skin disease characterized primarily by cracked or leather-like rashes, frequently occurring on the eyelids, neck, hands, and also on the trunk of the body. Patients often experience episodic itching, which can intensify and become more noticeable during periods of prolonged sleep deprivation, emotional instability, or high stress. Neurodermatitis can severely affect the quality of life and emotional well-being of patients, and it is crucial to seek timely treatment.

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Symptoms of scrotal neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease characterized by episodic severe itching and lichenoid skin changes, frequently seen in young and middle-aged adults. It often occurs in areas such as the neck, lateral sides of both elbows, sacral region, thighs, perineum, and around the anus. When it affects the scrotal area, its base layer can appear as pinpoint or rice-grain-sized polygonal flat papules, in light red, light brown, or normal skin color, generally firm and shiny. The surface may have small amounts of scale. Due to repeated scratching and rubbing, the lesions can gradually merge into large patches, and the local skin becomes thickened and rough, forming lichenoid changes accompanied by severe itching.