Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis: causes, diagnosis and treatment in the best clinics

Neurodermatitis is a skin disease that has a neurogenic and allergic character at the same time. This is one form of atopic dermatitis. According to the World Health Organization, this pathology occurs in 2-5% of the population. Neurodermatitis may occur in adults, but neurodermatitis is more common in children, especially those under 2 years of age.

This chronic disease interferes with normal sleep, rest, study, work, it can significantly worsen the quality of life. However, the use of modern methods of treatment allows you to take the disease under control.

What is neurodermatitis in simple words?

Neurodermatitis is a disease characterized by chronic skin inflammation. In simple terms, with this type of dermatitis, the patient feels severe itching of the skin, which is accompanied by rashes. The rash can affect the skin on the legs, arms, face, neck, back. The disease has a relapsing course, that is, periods of exacerbation alternate with periods of remission.

Causes of neurodermatitis

This disease occurs under the influence of various factors and their combinations. The main ones include:

• hereditary predisposition;
• severe stress;
• malnutrition;
• allergic reactions;
• some digestive diseases;
• intoxication;
• hormonal disorders.

Types of neurodermatitis

Dermatologists distinguish several types of the disease:

• Limited neurodermatitis. Manifestations of the disease are present only in certain areas of the skin.
• Diffuse neurodermatitis. Covers large areas of skin, rashes can be on the hands, neck, face, knees.

In addition, doctors distinguish the following types of neurodermatitis:

• Hypertrophic. This type of neurodermatitis is localized in the groin. In this case, warty, tumor-like structures form on the skin.
• Psoriasiform. This form is characterized by a red rash that is scaly and similar to psoriatic manifestations. It usually appears on the head and neck.
• Linear. The skin in this case suffers on the arms and legs in the folds, while the rash appears in the form of straight lines.
• Depigmented or white. A feature of this type is the loss of skin pigmentation.
• Follicular. Localized on the scalp. This type is characterized by the appearance of papules.
• Decalving. Neurodermatitis of the scalp. Accompanied by hair loss.

Symptoms of neurodermatitis

Signs of neurodermatitis can differ markedly depending on the form of the disease. The most common symptoms include:

• Dry flaky skin.
• A dense rash that can be from pale pink to bright red.
• Severe itching, which usually increases in the evening and at night.
• Scratches on the skin due to the fact that it itches a lot.

Against the background of itching, sleep disturbances, irritability, increased fatigue, and psychoemotional disorders may occur.

What does the skin look like with neurodermatitis?

Skin symptoms of this disease can vary markedly. The skin may thicken, peel, crack. Plaques, a small rash, small vesicles may appear, which then burst and erosion and crusts form. Small nodules with a shiny surface may form, loss of skin pigmentation in the affected areas is possible.

If this type of dermatitis is not treated, itching and its other manifestations noticeably worsen the psycho-emotional state. Wounds at the site of scratching can become infected, which can lead to the appearance of abscesses, boils, abscesses, skin phlegmon.

Diagnosis of neurodermatitis

The diagnosis of this pathology is carried out by a dermatologist. You may also need to consult an immunologist. The specialist determines the disease by the appearance of the rashes, the features of their location and other characteristic features. Further diagnostics may also be carried out. These can be blood tests, skin allergy tests, skin biopsy. It is important to make a differential diagnosis with other skin diseases, such as psoriasis, eczema.

Treatment of neurodermatitis

Treatment for neurodermatitis is usually selected as a complex one and includes drug therapy, physiotherapy, nutritional correction, psychocorrection. Moisturizing and hormonal ointments, vitamin complexes, sedatives, agents can be prescribed. The patient is advised to rest more, get positive emotions, avoid stress and physical overstrain, and not come into contact with substances that can provoke an allergic reaction.

The exclusion of provoking factors and the use of modern therapy, as a rule, gives a positive result: itching disappears and skin manifestations go away. However, often the disease is difficult to treat or the symptoms disappear only for a short period of time. Therefore, there is a constant search for new more effective methods of treatment.

The latest treatments for neurodermatitis – cell therapy

In recent years, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has taken an active place in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. This group of cells can be obtained from various sources such as adipose tissue, amniotic fluid, bone marrow, dental pulp, skin, placenta. MSCs have been used in clinical practice for more than 10 years in various diseases, and studies have already shown their effectiveness in neurodermatitis.

These cells have a unique ability to modulate the immune system, which is very important in this pathology. Their use allows you to reduce the reaction to allergens. It also improves the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems. As a result, the symptoms of the disease disappear and overall well-being improves.

The drug with stem cells is administered locally in the area of ​​rashes or intravenously.

To date, clinical studies of this technique are still being carried out in order to clarify the degree of therapeutic efficacy and to identify the features of the mechanisms of action. However, even today there are clinics that use MSCs for the treatment of neurodermatitis and demonstrate good results.

Prevention of neurodermatitis

Disease prevention measures include:

• proper nutrition;
• control of stress levels;
• maintaining the normal functioning of the immune system;
• sufficient physical activity;
• exclusion of contact with toxic substances.

The best clinics for the treatment of neurodermatitis

You have the opportunity to get into the best clinics in the world, which successfully treat skin diseases of any complexity. In these medical centers, you will find a treatment that will work for your condition and give you the desired results. Contact the medical coordinator of MedTour for more details.

Our best medical specialists

Medical coordinators of MedTour will help you get to the specialists who use the most modern and effective methods in the fight against neurodermatitis. To learn more about the possibilities of using cell therapy, you can sign up for an online consultation with Andriy Kovalchuk, PhD, surgeon, specialist in the use of cell therapy for various diseases.

Frequently asked questions

How does neurodermatitis begin?

The first signs of the disease are severe itching and redness of the skin. A rash follows, the skin begins to peel off. If these symptoms appear, you should contact a dermatologist as soon as possible.

What happens if neurodermatitis is not treated?

If the disease is not treated, it can progress and lead to a number of unpleasant consequences. Without treatment, skin symptoms such as dryness, itching, redness, and rashes can get worse and spread over large areas of the skin. This can lead to cracks, ulcers and infection of wounds. Psychological problems, insomnia, chronic fatigue, emotional overstrain, and decreased self-esteem may develop. All this can affect the quality of life and social adaptation.

How is neurodermatitis treated with stem cells?

First, stem cells are collected from the patient. Cells that meet certain criteria are then selected and propagated in the laboratory. The resulting drug is administered to the patient 1 or several times. In the treatment of dermatitis, MSCs are usually injected locally into the area where there are manifestations of the disease, but intravenous administration of the drug can also be used.

Published: 19.05.2023

Updated: 08.06.2024

Medical author, Medical editor:

Natalia Segen

Medical author, Medical editor:

Olena Kursabaieva

Information on this webpage verified by the medical expert

Medical Doctor, oncologist, PHD student

Kateryna Maliarchuk