Do I Have Neurodermatitis?

Do you have itchy patches on your skin measure between 3 by 6 centimeters or 6 by 10 centimeters?

Do you have dry, thick and leathery skin?

Do you have scaly patches on your skin?

Do you need to scratch or rub the itchy patches frequently?

Does your skin seem to itch for no apparent reason?

Does your itching become most intense when try to relax or sleep?

Do you feel the itching intensify when you are under stress?

Do you have a raised, rough patch on your skin that is red to violet-colored?

Do you have patches that are white or pale in the center, surrounded by darker colors?

Do you have pain on the affected part of your skin?

Do you have open sores and bleeding on your skin (due to repeated scratching)?

Do you have scarring from scratching?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have neurodermatitis. Neurodermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by itching only on a certain part of the skin. With scratching, the itching becomes more intense. Persistent itching and scratching will cause parts of your skin to become dry, leathery and discolored. Neurodermatitis is a long-term condition that is not life-threatening, but is very uncomfortable and annoying. It is also known as lichen simplex chronicus. Neurodermatitis affects about 12 percent of the general population. It is most common in people between the age of 30 and 50, and is twice as common in women as it is in men.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have neurodermatitis. Neurodermatitis is a skin condition that refers to itching on only one or two patches of your skin. Each time you scratch, the itching becomes more intense due to an irritation of the nerve endings in your skin. Therefore, a continuous cycle of itching and scratching occurs. Neurodermatitis is a chronic condition that often occurs during time of extreme stress and emotional trauma. It is common in people with psoriasis, eczema, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. A diagnosis is based on your symptoms, a skin examination and a skin biopsy to rule out other skin conditions.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have neurodermatitis. Neurodermatitis is a benign skin condition that begins with itching. The itching is often severe, which causes you to constantly scratch. However, this makes the itching more intense and you continue to scratch even harder. Neurodermatitis can affect any part of your body, but the itch is usually found on your arms, shoulders, legs, back of your neck and scalp. In most people, the itching becomes most intense when they relax or sleep. This condition rarely improves without treatment. Treatment includes various medications that can help stop the itching and scratching.