Not all diseases are associated with physical disorders in the body. According to experts, many pathologies are the result of the psychological state of a person. One of such diseases is neurodermatitis. The psychosomatics of this ailment has been studied for a long time. Neurodermatitis is attributed to skin pathologies. As you know, the integumentary tissue is the main barrier protecting us from external influences. However, the skin reacts not only to physical stimuli, but also to emotional ones. A typical example is that we blush and turn pale when we hear some specific information. This is due to the reaction of the vessels of the skin to emotional shock. Constant stresses can cause not only a short-term rush of blood, but also chronic pathologies. The most common skin disease that develops against the background of psychological problems is neurodermatitis. The disease is manifested by itching and the appearance of a rash.
Neurodermatitis: a description of the pathology
Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin pathology that has an allergic-psychogenic nature. The pathogenesis of this disease has been studied for several centuries. The relationship between the irritation of the tactile analyzer and emotional disorders was described by well-known physiologists, psychologists, and neuropathologists. Skin atopic dermatitis is also called atopic dermatosis. The disease is widespread among both adults and children of different ages. The main symptoms of pathology include the following symptoms:
- Itching of the skin, not associated with any physical or chemical irritants.
- The appearance of scratching in one or more areas.
- Redness of the skin and rash.
- Spontaneous disappearance of itching.
For a long time, atopic dermatitis was mistaken for neurodermatitis. Psychosomatics studies both pathologies. However, there is a significant difference between them. So, what is the difference between atopic dermatitis and neurodermatitis and what are their similarities? It is worth noting that both pathologies are classified as chronic skin diseases. They have similar manifestations. In some cases, it is almost impossible to distinguish these ailments according to the clinical picture.
However, it is believed that atopic dermatitis is more allergic in nature. More often it develops in young children, prone to diathesis. Neurodermatitis, on the contrary, is more related to psychogenic pathologies. This is confirmed by the fact that exacerbations of the disease occur against the background of emotional experiences. Patients suffering from this ailment are more prone to depression and personality changes. Most often, pathology develops in people aged 20 to 40 years.
Neurodermatitis: psychosomatics, causes of the disease
For a long time, neurodermatitis belonged exclusively to dermatological diseases. However, in the middle of the last century, the scientist Alexander, dealing with this problem, included pathology in a number of psychosomatic problems. Since then, an active study of the causes of the development of neurodermatitis has begun. Psychosomatics of the disease involved such well-known experts as Schilder, Fenichel and Freud. Thanks to scientists, several theories of the emergence of pathology based on emotional influences have arisen. Possible causes of the disease include:
- Characteristic personality portrait of the patient. People prone to neurodermatitis are characterized by increased sensitivity, irritability and vulnerability.
- Emotional depression developing on the background of stress.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Bipolar personality disorder.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Dissatisfaction with one’s own life or low self-esteem.
In addition to psychosomatic disorders, heredity is attributed to the causes of the disease. It has been proven that the incidence of neurodermatitis is higher in people whose parents have the same disorder. Therefore, pathology has not only a psychological development mechanism, but also a genetic origin. Therefore, the causes and treatment of neurodermatitis should be interconnected. The approach to therapy is based not only on the symptoms, but also on the allocation of factors that influenced the appearance of signs of the disease.
The mechanism of development of pathology
Any pathological condition develops as a result of changes occurring at the physiological level. Neurodermatitis is no exception. Psychosomatics also plays an important role in pathogenesis. It is a trigger factor for the development of violations. First of all, it should be noted that the nervous and integumentary tissue is formed from the same primordia during intrauterine development. Specialists distinguish the following aspects in the psychosomatics of pathology:
- Dissatisfaction with partner relationship.
- Lack of attention.
- Perception of dermatological pathology as a protective mechanism in the development of problems.
As you know, our psychological state often affects physical health. An example is digestive upset during periods of excitement, increased sweating, flushing of the face in awkward situations, etc. Similar facts are natural, since the nervous system is a collection of cells located throughout the body. It originates in the brain, where the generation of all psychological functions takes place. Therefore, emotional stimuli that act as a signal in the central nervous system quickly spread to other organs. This is the main explanation of the psychosomatics of neurodermatitis in adults and children. Under the influence of stress, various body systems begin to be activated. First of all, immunity. This, in turn, activates biologically active substances released into the bloodstream during inflammatory processes. Thus, a pseudo-allergic reaction to stress is triggered.
Neurodermatitis: symptoms, photos of pathological elements
Symptoms of atopic dermatosis are similar to signs of other skin diseases that are fungal, allergic and parasitic in nature. Neurodermatitis can be recognized only after studying the psychology of the patient. People prone to this ailment are distinguished by personality changes. Among them - depression, anxiety, suspiciousness, aggressiveness. The physical symptoms of the disease include severe itching of the skin and the appearance of red spots. Usually, clinical manifestations are provoked by stressful situations, for example, dissatisfaction in sexual relations, problems at work, etc.
Itching begins suddenly, can last for several hours and even days. It is not associated with hygiene or other causes. Usually the skin itches in certain places, it can be the scalp, face, lower or upper limbs. A red spot quickly appears in these areas, and then small pimples appear. The main element of neurodermatitis is considered a papule. The image of pathological areas of the skin does not differ from the pattern of scratching with other dermatological diseases.
The clinical picture of the disease in children
In some cases, neurodermatitis develops at an early age. In such cases, it practically does not differ from allergic dermatitis. The clinical manifestations of these diseases are similar. The difference is only in the trigger mechanism for the development of pathology. Often with a tendency to diathesis, neurodermatitis develops in children. Symptoms and treatment of the disease are the same as in adult patients. The psychosomatics of the disease is associated with a lack of attention from parents and personality traits of character. Detecting neurodermatitis in a child is more difficult than in an adult. To notice the connection between stress and symptoms, you should pay attention to the psychological state of the baby, talk with him more often and spend more time.
Clinical forms of neurodermatitis
There are several types of neurodermatitis. The disease is classified according to the clinical picture. Namely, the localization of skin manifestations. Depending on this factor, the following forms of the disease are distinguished:
- Limited neurodermatitis. A localized lesion is characterized by the appearance of papules in certain areas of the skin. Most often, pathological foci appear on the elbow and knee bends, in the neck, inguinal folds. The symmetry of the lesion is noted. Papules are small in size and have an uneven outline. The skin color in the affected area may be pink or red. It depends on the intensity of the itch. The healthy skin surrounding the papule most often has a dry structure.
- Diffuse neurodermatitis. This form of pathology is more severe and more reminiscent of atopic dermatitis. It is characterized by common itching of the skin and fusion of papules. Pathological areas on the extremities, trunk, face and scalp are localized.
Regardless of the form of the disease, the causes and treatment of neurodermatitis do not differ. Therapy should be aimed both at the psychological aspect of the problem, and at eliminating the symptoms.
Diagnostic criteria for neurodermatitis
The criteria for neurodermatitis include pink papules that appear for no apparent reason against a background of severe itching. An examination reveals a lack of connection of the disease with fungal, parasitic and bacterial infections of the skin. In addition, the characteristic psychological portrait of the patient should be attributed to the pathology criteria.
Differential diagnosis of neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a psychogenic-allergic disease that has a characteristic clinical picture. The symptoms of the disease resemble the signs of pathologies such as dermatitis, urticaria, prurigo, etc. In order to conduct a differential diagnosis between these diseases, it is worth performing various dermatological tests. In the absence of an infectious skin lesion, attention should be paid to psychosomatics.
Treatment of pathology in adults and children
Despite the fact that the main role in the pathogenesis of neurodermatitis is assigned to the psychological state, the treatment of the disease does not significantly differ from therapy for other dermatological ailments. To eliminate itching and the development of an inflammatory reaction, antihistamines are prescribed. These include tablets "Suprastin", "Diphenhydramine" and gel "Fenistil." In the presence of severe scratching and skin infection, antiseptic and drying agents are required. So that the wound does not fester, it is lubricated with a solution of "Brilliant green."
Psychological assistance with neurodermatitis
Do not forget about the psychological nature of neurodermatitis. Patient reviews indicate that only the elimination of stressful situations helps to cope with this pathology. To minimize exacerbations of the disease to a minimum, it is recommended to normalize the diet and daily routine. To improve morale, it is recommended to visit a psychologist, establish contact with loved ones, engage in your hobbies, take walks in the fresh air.
Prevention of the development of neurodermatitis
If a person has a genetic predisposition to dermatological pathologies, it is necessary to prevent neurodermatitis even in the absence of symptoms. To do this, avoid contact with various allergens, avoid stress, observe hygiene rules and care for the skin.