What is dangerous neurodermatitis in a child? Many parents ask this question, because children are more prone to certain skin diseases.
A rash on the skin, itching, burning - this is what many babies have to face. Naturally, such symptoms cause anxiety in parents. Worried mothers look for any available information. What is neurodermatitis? Symptoms and treatment, causes and possible complications are those moments that are definitely worth considering.
What is an ailment? general information
Skin diseases can hardly be considered a rarity. And neurodermatitis in a child is a very common problem. In medicine, this disease often appears under the term "atopic dermatitis."
The disease is an inflammatory lesion of the skin tissue, which is accompanied by redness and itching. Why does a similar skin disease develop in children? Dermatitis (neurodermatitis) has an autoimmune origin and is associated with the reaction of the immune system to certain stimuli. It is worth noting that children are more prone to this disease. According to statistics, about 40% of all inflammatory skin diseases fall on neurodermatitis.
Unfortunately, this disease is chronic in nature - periods of exacerbation are replaced by more or less long periods of relative well-being. Nevertheless, with the help of modern methods of treatment and a proper diet, stable remission can be achieved.
The main causes of the development of the disease
Neurodermatitis is associated with reactions of the immune system - for one reason or another, the child’s body inadequately responds to contact with certain substances. Foodstuffs most often act as allergens, although sometimes allergic reactions are associated with the use of cosmetics, contacts with household chemicals, and wearing synthetic materials.
The causes of neurodermatitis in children can be different. To begin with, it is worth mentioning the genetic predisposition that occurs with this disease. There are other risk factors that can trigger the development of the disease. Their list includes:
- constant stress, increased psycho-emotional stress;
- various disorders in the digestive system;
- mental disorders, disorders of the nervous system;
- inflammatory diseases, regardless of origin and localization (including those ailments that occur hidden);
- intoxication of the body;
- helminthic infestations;
- adverse living conditions (from an environmental point of view);
- if we are talking about neurodermatitis in newborns, then its development may be associated with improper nutrition of a woman during pregnancy and lactation.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Of course, the clinical picture in this case may look different, because here everything depends on the form of the disease, its causes and other factors.
As a rule, small areas of redness appear on the skin of the child. The appearance of a small bubble rash is also possible. Papules are often opened from constant scratching, as a result of which the affected areas are covered with dried crusts.
Neurodermatitis is accompanied by constant itching, which affects the emotional state and well-being of the child. The skin becomes dry, begins to peel off. Due to dehydration of the upper layers of the epidermis, the skin pattern becomes clearer. The appearance of darkened, roughened areas on the skin.
Features of diffuse and limited neurodermatitis
Diffuse neurodermatitis is considered quite common. This is one of the severe forms of the disease, as rashes often affect the entire skin of the child. The disease is difficult to treat.
If we talk about the limited form of the disease, then it is characterized by the formation of single lesions. The inflammatory process can be localized on any part of the body, but the focus is usually small.
Other forms of neurodermatitis and their features
There are other forms of the disease that are less common, but are nevertheless accompanied by very characteristic symptoms.
- Quite often, linear neurodermatitis is recorded in the hands of children. With this form of the disease, the rashes are linear and localized on the skin of the limbs.
- With the follicular form of the disease, those areas of the skin on which the largest number of hair follicles are located are affected. Most often, children develop neurodermatitis of the scalp.
- The hypertrophic form of the disease is characterized by the appearance of a rash with tumor elements. Most often, rashes are localized in the inguinal zone.
- Psoriasis morphic folliculitis most often affects the scalp and facial skin. Rashes in appearance resemble psoriatic plaques.
Diagnostic measures
The presence of characteristic rashes, as well as dry skin and other symptoms, as a rule, are sufficient grounds to suspect the presence of neurodermatitis in a child. Naturally, further studies are carried out.
It is very important to collect the most complete history of the child. The presence in the medical record of information about allergic diseases only confirms the suspicion of neurodermatitis. In addition, allergic tests are performed - so you can find out what exactly provokes a reaction from the immune system.
During a blood test, you can detect an increase in the level of immunoglobulin E. Sometimes a skin tissue biopsy is performed.
Modern treatment of chronic neurodermatitis in children with drugs
Therapy with this form of dermatitis must be comprehensive. The list of drugs is determined individually, since much depends on the severity of the disease and the age of the child. In most cases, the following agents are included in the treatment regimen:
- antihistamines that help relieve swelling, inhibit the development of an allergic reaction (Claritin, Tavegil, Cimetidine);
- hepatoprotectors that protect liver cells and improve the process of cleansing the body of toxins (Karsil, Essentiale);
- enzymes that help to improve the functioning of the digestive tract (Mezim, Festal);
- corticosteroids, and in most cases in the form of ointments ("Hydrocortisone");
- immunomodulatory drugs ("Timalin", "Levamisole");
- vitamins and mineral complexes (available for children of different ages);
- hyposensitizing drugs ("Hemodez");
- sedative drugs that help get rid of increased nervous system excitement (tincture of valerian root or motherwort);
- various ointments for external use, including, for example, tar ointment.
Physiotherapeutic Activities
Quite often, in modern medicine, they face such a problem as neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis) in children. Medication certainly helps. However, sometimes some additional procedures are necessary for a full recovery.
Magnetotherapy, selective phototherapy, as well as treatment with diadynamic currents are effective . Quite often, affected skin areas are irradiated with an individually selected dose of ultraviolet radiation. Reflexotherapy and thalassotherapy are also recommended, which positively affect the work of the whole body, including the nervous system.
Sanatorium-resort treatment is what doctors recommend if a similar disease was diagnosed in children. Dermatitis (including neurodermatitis) responds well to treatment with sulfide, hydrogen sulfide and radon baths.
Diet for neurodermatitis in children
There is one more point worth paying attention to. The nutrition of children with neurodermatitis is an extremely important factor, because in most cases the reaction of the immune system is associated with sensitivity to foods. First, you need to exclude potential allergens from the diet. In most cases, this is cow's milk (or infant formula containing casein), eggs (in particular, yolks), red fruits.
A child with neurodermatitis is recommended to refuse sweets. Sudden changes in blood glucose levels negatively affect the functioning of the nervous system, and increased excitation, in turn, can only aggravate the situation. Moreover, sweets and other sweets, as a rule, contain a huge amount of dyes and flavors, which can also provoke an allergic reaction. If we are talking about an older child, then the menu should exclude canned foods, spices, as well as food containing synthetic dyes, preservatives and other harmful substances.
Recommendations of specialists
Now you know what neurodermatitis is. Symptoms and treatment in this case are closely related. Naturally, a proper diet, anti-inflammatory drugs and other treatment methods will help eliminate the main symptoms.
However, there are also a few tips that doctors recommend. Neurodermatitis in a child is a serious problem that cannot be ignored. The baby's skin needs to be kept clean, so in no case should you ignore melted personal hygiene. In the bath water, you can add decoctions of herbs. Cosmetics for care (soap, body lotions, baby cream) must be of high quality and hypoallergenic. Specialists also recommend paying attention to clothes for the baby - it is better to give preference to natural, lightweight materials that provide good “ventilation” of the skin and will not irritate the baby’s delicate skin tissues.
As already mentioned, allergic reactions with neurodermatitis are directly associated with increased excitation of the nervous system. Therefore, it is important to create comfortable conditions for the child (as well as for the older patient) without quarrels and stresses. If you have serious problems with the behavior of the baby and control over emotions, you should consider visiting a psychologist who will help the child and parents find a common language.
Are folk remedies effective
What else can be done if neurodermatitis is diagnosed in children? Folk remedies, of course, exist. Moreover, home remedies sometimes help to cope with skin rashes and itching.
- It is believed that with neurodermatitis, a decoction of burdock root helps. Two small spoons of plant material should be boiled in a glass of boiling water (boil over low heat for about 10 minutes). Then the liquid must be cooled and filtered. Kids take 50 ml of decoction (it is advisable to do this before meals).
- Compresses from decoctions of horsetail, oak and mallow bark help relieve itching. You can lightly wipe the affected areas of the skin with a cotton swab dipped in the prepared broth. The procedure is repeated about 6 times a day.
- Plants such as chamomile, string and sage possess anti-inflammatory properties. Of these, you can make compresses. In addition, decoctions are added to bathing water.
Of course, compresses and medicinal decoctions are only auxiliary agents. Refuse medication is not worth in any case.
Possible complications of neurodermatitis
According to statistics, neurodermatitis in a child in most cases is successfully treatable. Nevertheless, in some cases, the ailment leads to the development of certain complications.
To begin with, it is worth saying that constant itching affects the emotional state of the child. He becomes restless, sleeps poorly, loses his appetite. Older kids are nervous and irritable. Perhaps the development of an asthenic state.
From constant combing, scratches and sores appear on the affected areas of the skin. Sometimes neurodermatitis can be complicated by bacterial and fungal infections, which are sometimes difficult to treat.
Preventive measures and forecasts
Unfortunately, there is no specific medicine that can minimize the risk of developing an ailment. Nevertheless, patients from the high-risk group must follow certain rules, in particular, exclude any contact with the allergen. Children need to adhere to the same diet as during treatment, eliminating potentially dangerous foods from the diet. It is also recommended to wear clothes (especially underwear) made from natural materials and use high-quality cosmetics for skin care.
According to statistics, in most cases, periodic outbreaks of neurodermatitis pass by 20-30 years, so that the prognosis for patients is favorable.