Skin diseases are a significant obstacle to a full human life. In addition to causing discomfort and pain, various manifestations on the skin are reflected in the appearance, resulting in mental disorders. With the help of complex therapy and a competent approach, specialists are able to combat these unpleasant phenomena. This article provides information on how adult neurodermatitis is treated .
What is neurodermatitis?
Neurodermatitis is a dermatological disease that acquires a chronic form over time. Pathological manifestations can begin in early childhood and disturb the patient throughout his life. Relapses of this ailment make themselves felt at any age and at different intervals.
According to the ICD, neurodermatitis is part of the group of allergic dermatoses and is considered the most common skin disease. More than 30% of patients who applied for help to the hospital were registered.
Externally affected areas appear in the form of papules. These are flat oval formations, accompanied by severe redness, vesicle formation and intolerable itching. The skin at the affected area becomes dry and begins to peel off.
Adults are more affected by focal neurodermatitis. In this case, skin inflammations are localized in different parts of the body. The foci can affect the areas of the bends of the elbows and knees, the back of the head and the adjacent portion of the neck. In men, a rash may appear around the anus and scrotum.
Diffuse rashes of neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis) are characterized by more extensive places of localization. They can spread to the skin of the face, neck, chest and bends. In medical directories, you can consider a photo of neurodermatitis at the stage of its exacerbation.
Forms of the disease
Depending on the location of the painful foci, neurodermatitis is divided into the following types:
- Linear. Rashes spread to the skin of the head, legs, arms, and the folds. It is difficult to treat due to the fact that over time it becomes chronic. The treatment of neurodermatitis in the hands is complicated by the fact that the patient constantly has to expose the skin to contact with soap and water. This enhances pain, overdries the skin and promotes the formation of crusts.
- Limited. The name speaks for itself, since foci affect small areas of the skin. Places for their localization are such parts of the body as the groin, knees, hips and genitals. Often there is a similar form of neurodermatitis on the legs. The appearance of foci is accompanied by severe irritation. After combing such places, the foci take the form of papules and can become covered with scales. With this form of neurodermatitis, auxiliary measures are needed to combat it - with the help of healing mud and electrophoresis. Ultrasound is used to treat lymph nodes.
- Diffuse. One of the most harmful skin diseases. Besides the fact that it affects many parts of the body, it affects the face. Rashes are observed on the eyelids and lips. They can also appear on the inner sides of the elbow and knee bends. Relief in such conditions is achieved using ultrasound sessions and physiotherapy.
- Follicular. It is characterized by rashes on areas of the skin with hair. Sore spots of a reddish color are often covered with a whitish coating. Its main place is the scalp under the hair. Against the background of such manifestations, many patients experience mental disorders.
- Psoriasis. It affects the area of the head and face. It is accompanied by constant itching. With the occurrence of such painful foci on the head, sometimes there are partial baldness. Dense red spots of this type of disease are characterized by scales similar to psoriasis.
- Hypertrophic. It affects the intimate parts of the body in both women and men. The second often affects the groin area. Treatment of hypertrophic neurodermatitis is very problematic and is accompanied by nervous disorders of patients.
Causes
Doctors distinguish two main causes of this disease: endocrine disorders and a reaction to stress from the nervous system. These factors are considered endogenous, since they provoke the occurrence of an ailment from the inside.
The cause of the rashes, which are manifested under the influence of external factors (exogenous), is allergy. Foci on the skin in this case are formed under the influence of antibodies from the outside. Manifestations caused by this factor can occur after skin contact with allergens, to which the human immune system may be too sensitive.
According to some scientists, neurodermatitis is a hereditary disease, but this fact is not scientifically substantiated. Nevertheless, many experts argue that the genetic factor is the main cause of this ailment.
In addition, there are a number of factors contributing to the development of atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis):
- nervous disorders;
- weakened immunity;
- disturbances in metabolic processes;
- chemical poisoning;
- malnutrition;
- prolonged stress;
- environmental pollution;
- excessive mental stress;
- heavy physical exertion;
- predisposition to allergic diseases;
- bad habits.
Symptoms
External symptomatic manifestations include the following:
- coarsening of the skin in the affected areas;
- irritation accompanied by itching;
- redness
- excessive dryness;
- skin exfoliation;
- the appearance of small dropsy, which turn into ulcers;
- the formation of wet crusts;
- hyperpigmentation;
- cracks.
Symptoms of neurodermatitis in adults are not limited only to external signs. Skin disease affects many functions of the human body. As a rule, such people are prone to apathy, feel depressed and suffer from chronic fatigue. Sometimes the patient may not leave an obsessive feeling of anxiety, as a result of which sleep is disturbed.
Treatment
During the discussion, it becomes clear that such a disease as neurodermatitis has several causes. Its symptoms are also quite different and proceed in different ways, which complicates the fight against it. However, it is encouraging that with the help of a competent approach, medical workers manage to translate the acute stage of the disease into a state of prolonged remission, which significantly mitigates pathological manifestations.
Experienced allergist-immunologists are primarily trying to identify the exact cause of the disease. This is the only way to choose the right treatment. The drug course is always aimed at eliminating an external source that serves as a provocateur of the disease. Therapy of skin diseases involves a simultaneous struggle with cause and effect. This includes the use of ointments, mud baths, ultrasound sessions, the use of specific drugs, electrophoresis and alternative methods.
Treatment of neurodermatitis in adults should take place in a calm environment. It is good if it is stationary, since the patient must be protected from unnecessary emotional anxiety. It is important to monitor nutrition and observe hygiene rules.
The treatment complex includes antihistamines that protect the body from allergens. They neutralize the effects of synthetic and other various substances that cause allergic reactions. Such drugs are: "Chlorpheniramine", "Cetirizine", "Loratadine", "Promethazine".
In most cases, treatment of neurodermatitis in adults is not without sedatives. A popular drug in this regard is Novo-Passit, as well as drugs with motherwort and valerian.
To normalize the work of the digestive organs, Linex, Festal, Pancreasim, and Hilak Forte are prescribed.
Immunomodulators are mandatory. The doctor selects drugs for treatment depending on the degree of skin damage.
Ointments
Local remedies are usually prescribed for a limited form of the disease. There is a wide selection of such drugs, but in each case they are selected individually. From glucocorticoid drugs, the doctor may prescribe Betamethasone, Fluticasone or Clobetasol. There is an effective ointment for neurodermatitis with naphthalan oil. Tar products and various gel creams give good results. “Dermoveyt” cream helps to cope with local symptoms. It quickly eliminates pain and burning. It is important to remember that you can not buy ointment without the appointment of a dermatologist. Self-medication is likely to exacerbate the development of the disease than to help fight it.
Physiotherapeutic procedures
Treatment of neurodermatitis involves the adoption of hydrogen sulfide and radon baths, as well as ultraviolet radiation. It is good to alternate such methods with medicinal herbs. Baths with decoctions of chamomile, string and oak bark have an anti-inflammatory effect.
After the procedures, painful foci are lubricated with fatty oils, for example, olive. Sulfur and ichthyol ointments are used.
Treatment of neurodermatitis on the face
In addition to the common causes of atopic dermatitis, a rash on the face may appear due to the use of cosmetics or allergies to animal hair. Even fur clothes or plant pollen can become an allergen.
As a rule, rashes in prominent places are accompanied by various complexes that can cause irreparable harm to mental health. Therefore, it is better not to delay the treatment of neurodermatitis on the face in adults.
- Of the drugs, hormones, antihistamines and sedatives are prescribed.
- In most cases, experts consider it appropriate to use sorbents. Assign activated carbon, Enterosgel and other similar means.
- As ointments, birch tar, zinc and dermatol are prescribed. To relieve irritation, you may need to use drugs - "Flucinar" and "Elokom"
- Physiotherapy is carried out using the following methods: ultrasound, selective phototherapy, ultraviolet, electrosleep, hyperbaric oxygenation, laser therapy.
- Apply baths with added salt and pine needles.
- The doctor may prescribe additional funds to prevent dry skin. During remission, moisturizers must be used regularly. By the way, this also applies to skin care on the legs and arms. With atopic dermatitis, these parts of the body are more susceptible to external factors, and this leads to excessive dryness.
- The treatment must include vitamin complexes. This is necessary to strengthen the immune system. The presence of vitamins such as A, B and E. is especially important.
- Some benefits come from visiting spas and trips to the southern resorts.
Nutrition and some recommendations
Diet with neurodermatitis implies the rejection of all products that cause allergies. These include: chocolate, bananas, nuts, citrus fruits, chicken eggs, honey. Smoked products, coffee, strong tea and spicy foods are also excluded.
Red fruits and undiluted fresh juices can increase skin irritation. Preference is given to green apples, blackcurrants, plums and other fruits.
It is recommended to use milk soups and cereals, rabbit meat, turkey and beef. You can include some types of low-fat fish and dairy products in your diet.
Dried fruits and jelly can replace sweets and flour products.
Dishes are best cooked, stewed or baked in the oven. For cooking soups you need to use a second broth. Food should be uniform - 3-5 meals per day.
With an exacerbation of the disease, you can not drink alcohol.
Since personal hygiene with atopic dermatitis is of great importance, such products as creams, lotions, soaps and shampoos should be purchased in consultation with a specialist.
It is undesirable to wear clothes made of synthetic fabrics and pure wool. Wash things better with laundry soap.
Wash and wash your hands in warm water. After this, apply cosmetic milk or cream. This will help reduce dryness and peeling of damaged areas. On well moisturized skin, itching and tightness are less felt.
Folk methods
At home, you can make an ointment for neurodermatitis based on petroleum jelly. It is combined with substances such as propolis or mummy, in a ratio of 1:10. For this purpose, petrolatum is heated to a liquid state, mixed with one of the above components and cooled.
After using such folk remedies, neurodermatitis in a state of remission goes much faster. Mumiye has an antimicrobial effect and eliminates pain. Propolis is an excellent analgesic and is actively involved in the regeneration of affected cells.
Ointments should be rubbed with very light movements. You can also apply them to a sterile dressing and cover the affected areas with them.
It is good to use blue clay masks with added salt. It is applied to the foci and kept until completely dry.
Herbal lotions are effective in the treatment of neurodermatitis in adults. To relieve inflammation, infusions are prepared strong. For 1 liter of boiled water put 15 tablespoons of dried herbs. They are poured with boiling water and insisted for about 10 hours. To prepare such a remedy, the following plants are needed: chamomile, mint, marshmallow root, succession, juniper, thyme, oregano, St. John's wort.
It should be remembered that alternative methods are not a panacea for the disease. Although their application takes place, nevertheless they play a supporting role in complex treatment.
Finally
Having received specific information about neurodermatitis (a photo of symptoms in the article) and having studied it carefully, we can draw certain conclusions. However, this does not mean that you need to establish a diagnosis yourself. The final word should remain with the attending physician. The specialist should prescribe a qualified treatment and monitor the progress of this process.