Quite often, with skin diseases that are accompanied by itching, mechanical damage to the skin occurs as a result of combing it with nails or other objects. This phenomenon is called excoriation. This leads to the fact that the wounds do not heal for a long time, a person begins to comb them again. As a result of this, scars and scars form on the skin. Usually combing accompanies diseases such as eczema, atopic dermatitis and others.
Description and description of the problem
Excoriation is a mechanical damage to the skin as a result of combing during severe itching, which accompanies many dermatological pathologies. Damage can also be observed with pathomimia - self-damage to the skin in mental disorders.
Skin excoriations have a round shape, strip-like, linear character. They are divided into two forms:
- Superficial, which leads to damage to the upper and lumpy layer of the skin.
- Deep, characterized by damage to the deep layers of the dermis.
In the first case, abrasions and scratches are formed. In the second case, bruising, crusts form, after the rejection of which scars and scars form.
Usually excoriation of the skin affects the vesicle, pustule or node, as they comb, the size of these elements increases. For example, in the presence of scabies, combing is linear at first, then takes the form of bubbles.
Neurotic excoriation
Neurotic excoriation is self-damage to the skin due to the sensation of itching and burning, discomfort. Typically, this phenomenon is both dermatological and psychological in nature. A person is aware of his actions, understands the cause of damage.
Neurotic excoriation is a form of self-induced dermatosis. A person as a result of emotional or psychopathological disorders makes skin damage. This leads to the appearance of hematomas, scratches, abrasions, wounds, then keloid scars are formed in their place.
Reasons for the development of pathology
There are many reasons for the development of this pathology. Sometimes excoriation occurs against the background of psychopathology, delusions, obsessive actions, traumatic situations, nervous tension, depression. In other cases, the problem is associated with physical discomfort, when against the background of dermatological diseases, especially in their chronic form, itching, burning, and skin irritation develop, which are manifested quite strongly.
Symptomatology
The manifestation of the pathology may be different. Excoration is minor or numerous abrasions, deep wounds, bruises, accompanied by bruising. Depending on how deep the skin was, the pathology can disappear without a trace or leave scars and scars, areas of atrophied skin, and age spots. In some cases, a person interferes with wound healing, rips off dried crusts from them, and scratches them even more. In this case, keloid scars remain.
Typically, skin lesions are localized in places where you can reach with your hand. Often, itching can intensify with stress, emotional stress, and conflict situations. Then the pathology can be widespread.
Diagnostic measures
Diagnosis is aimed at identifying the cause of the pathology. For this, the doctor studies the medical history, conducts a survey and examination of the patient. In the presence of dermatological pathologies, an appropriate treatment is developed. In the absence of objective causes of the disease, the person is sent for a consultation with a psychotherapist.
Excoriation Treatment
If there is a psychological aspect to the problem, then the treatment will be comprehensive. Antidepressants are prescribed to the patient, as well as such drugs:
- Antipruritic and anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments, creams.
- Sedatives.
- Psychotherapy.
In the presence of dermatological diseases, therapy of the underlying disease is carried out.
It is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid stress and emotional stress, engage in physical activity. In some cases, the doctor prescribes a diet. A sufficient amount of protein food, vitamins, iodine should be present in the daily menu. It is recommended to refrain from coffee, strong black tea, "Coke".