Symptoms of Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis, also known as pruritic neurodermatitis or localized neurodermatitis, is a chronic skin condition mainly characterized by intense itching and inflammatory changes in the skin. Common symptoms typically include: 1. **Skin Itching**: Itching is the hallmark symptom of neurodermatitis. Patients often experience paroxysmal, severe itching that worsens with emotional excitement. The itching typically intensifies at night, frequently disrupting normal sleep. 2. **Skin Rash**: Some patients initially experience only itching without obvious skin lesions. However, frequent scratching due to itching may gradually lead to flat, elevated papules on the skin, ranging in size from a grain of rice to a green bean. These papules are firm and shiny. 3. **Scratch Marks and Blood Crusts**: Due to the intense itching associated with neurodermatitis, patients often scratch the affected areas repeatedly, resulting in visible scratch marks, skin breaks, and blood crusts. 4. **Lichenification**: Lesions commonly occur in areas subjected to repeated friction. Prolonged irritation leads to thickened, lichenified skin changes, which can be cosmetically displeasing. 5. **Lymphadenitis**: Many patients scratch the affected areas with their hands, which can lead to secondary infections. As a result, hair follicles and lymph nodes around the affected area may become inflamed.