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Mild Neurodermatitis and Eczema

How to Relieve Itching and Promote Healing

Jan 8, 2009 Dana Caddis

Whether you call it eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, an intensely itchy patch of skin that reddens and forms small crusts, scales or plaques can cause a lot of grief.

First, let’s define the scope of the skin ailment for which self-treatment may be the most practical option. A mild case is one that affects less than two percent of the skin. There are no signs of infection. The skin irritation is localized, not related to any sort of general, systemic, allergic reaction, as might afflict those with hay fever or asthma. There are no blisters.

Simply put, it is probably a case of “the itch that rashes,” specifically termed “neurodermatitis”, sometimes called “scratch eczema”. If it goes on for some time, it can develop into “lichen simplex chronicus” because the skin thickens and darkens as a result of long-term abuse. Abuse? Yes, because if you didn’t scratch it, the skin wouldn’t be damaged at all.

However, as sufferers well know, it’s almost impossible NOT to scratch because the nerve endings are so irritated. The itching can be so intense that sleep is disrupted. Low humidity during winter months or plain old dry skin can lead to a new episode. Previously affected areas tend to recur whenever the nerves are irritated again. Snug clothing or synthetic fabrics, or certain chemicals, or stress, can be triggers. Children with the condition often develop it first on patches of skin near wrists and ankles, on creases inside elbows and knees, then elsewhere as they scratch other areas.

Relieve the Itch!

Since the basic problem involves nerve endings that are simply overreacting, you may choose to avoid medications that can have side effects that are worse than a mild irritation. A lukewarm salt compress, or ice pack can halt an episode of itching. A cream containing zinc oxide (such as used for diaper rash in babies) can be a soothing dressing, on its own or mixed with petroleum jelly. Some have found oatmeal in solution, cold milk, or calamine lotion, to relieve the itching.

If you’re mostly asleep, you could also try mental imagery, a form of biofeedback. While in a relaxed state of mind, concentrate on imagining doing something to relieve the itch. For example, one four-year-old boy (who initially didn’t believe this would work!) would lay in bed and pretend that he had huge claws that were tearing bugs out of his arm. The itch went away without any actual scratching.

Essentially, this technique uses your mind to trick your nerves into halting the overreaction.

Just in case you might scratch yourself in your sleep, keep nails very short or wear gloves. Halt the scratching long enough and the itching will eventually cease on its own.

Promote Healing

A good moisturizer that doesn’t contain any irritating chemicals can do wonders, especially if the area is covered with a bandage for a day or two. Avoid petroleum jelly and mineral oils as long-term moisturizers, since they tend to slow down healing. Natural oils such as lanolin or shea butter work best for many. Even unhydrogenated vegetable oils such as canola or olive oil can be effective, although some dislike these options because they absorb slowly and stain clothing. Almond oil is thicker and absorbs fairly quickly, if you can find it.

Properly moisturized skin that is not scratched, infected or irritated will generally heal on its own.

If it doesn’t, or if the affected area continues to spread, consult your physician.

The copyright of the article Mild Neurodermatitis and Eczema in General Medicine is owned by Dana Caddis. Permission to republish Mild Neurodermatitis and Eczema in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Keep your nails short