Neurodermatitis A chronic skin disorder

Neurodermatitis starts with a patch of itchy skin, but it makes the area even itchier by scratching. Eventually you may scratch simply out of habit. This cycle of chronic scratching and itching can cause the affected skin to become leathery and thicky. It is also known as lichen simplex chronicus. It isn't serious, but breaking the itch-scratch cycle is challenging.

Signs and symptoms:

• Itchy skin in a single limited area

• Leathery or scaly texture to the skin

• Raised, rough patch that is red or darker than the rest of your skin

The primary symptom of it is itchy skin — often a single patch on the wrist, neck, thigh, forearm, or ankle. It sometimes affects genital areas, like the scrotum or vulva.

Causes:

The exact cause of it isn't known. Sometimes it begins with something that simply irritates or rubs the skin, such as tight clothing or a bug bite. The area gets itchier as you rub or scratch it. The more you scratch, the more it itches. In some cases, it is associated with other skin conditions — such as dry eczema, skin, or psoriasis. Anxiety and stress can cause itching, too.

Risk factors:

• Your sex and age. Women are much more likely to develop it than are men. The condition is common between ages 30 and 50.

• Other skin conditions. People with a family or personal history of psoriasis, eczema or similar skin conditions are more likely to develop it.

• Anxiety disorders. Anxiety and stress can trigger the itch associated with it.

Treatment:

You must stop scratching the affected area to stop the itch-scratch cycle. Your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments.

Medications

Depending on the intensity of the symptoms, the doctor may direct:

• Corticosteroids. The doctor may prescribe stronger versions of these drugs since over-the-counter steroid creams aren't enough.

• Antihistamines. These anti-allergy drugs can help relieve itching in many people with neurodermatitis.

• Anti-anxiety drugs. Because anxiety and stress can trigger the symptoms, anti-anxiety drugs often can help prevent the itchiness associated with the disorder.

• Antibiotics. If you develop a bacterial infection in the rash, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic lotion or oral antibiotics.

To lessen the itch and irritation caused by it, follow these tips:

• Try over-the-counter medications.

• Cover the affected area.

• Keep your nails trimmed.

• Take cool baths.

• Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing.

• Choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes.

• Keep stress under control.