Neurodermatitis in children

Children are frequently affected by neurodermatitis, a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and itching. Although it’s not a life-threatening problem, it can cause the child and their family to feel uncomfortable and distressed. Controlling flare-ups depends on knowing what causes neurodermatitis and how to treat it.

Neurodermatitis usually appears in children at a young age and can last into adulthood. It’s critical to understand the warning signs and how to stop symptoms from getting worse. Parental awareness of dietary restrictions, emotional stressors, and environmental influences can help children feel better and live more comfortably.

In order to manage this condition, proper care and treatment are essential. The effects of neurodermatitis can be lessened, and kids can resume their regular activities without being irritated all the time, with the correct techniques.

What is it?

Neurodermatitis is the term for pathological skin reactions to different provoking factors. Immune system abnormalities are directly linked to the disease’s development. Neurodermatitis frequently coexists with bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic eczema.

Diffuse or widespread forms of the disease are most common in children. In newborns, the illness typically has a protracted course. Intervals of comparatively good health can be followed by exacerbations, in which the child’s condition deteriorates significantly and unpleasant disease symptoms surface. Even newborns may experience the disease’s initial symptoms. Physicians observe that babies can exhibit neurodermatitis symptoms as early as two months after birth.

Based on statistical data, neurodermatitis represents approximately 45% of all pediatric dermatological conditions. Researchers have found that these inflammatory skin conditions are becoming more common each year.

Compared to their counterparts in rural areas, children residing in large, particularly industrial cities, experience neurodermatitis somewhat more frequently. Neurodermatitis affects more than just the skin. The immune system and several internal organs stop working properly in the child as well.

Causes

The disease may develop due to a number of factors. According to some scientists, the disease starts to develop during the intrauterine development stage. All essential organs, including the immune system, are laid down at this time.

Any effect on the developing fetus during the mother’s pregnancy increases the likelihood that the child will experience neurodermatitis later on.

• Psychosomatics. Disrupted functioning of the nervous system contributes to the appearance of various rashes on the baby"s skin, characteristic of this disease. This leaves a significant imprint on the child"s behavior. He becomes more nervous, withdrawn. Often children with neurodermatitis have poor contact even with close people.
• Genetic predisposition. In families where cases of neurodermatitis have occurred, the incidence is several times higher. Also, if one of the parents has allergic pathologies, then the risk of neurodermatitis in the baby increases several times.

• Exposure to allergenic factors. These include: pollen of various plants and grasses, fluff and animal hair, household mites, some food products, synthetic materials, chemical aerosols, medicines and others. Individual hypersensitivity to a particular allergen is also important for the development of the disease. When entering a child"s body, the allergenic component causes a strong allergic reaction, which provokes the appearance of specific skin rashes on the skin.

• Long-term or excessive psycho-emotional stress. In childhood, the child"s psyche is still quite labile. The baby"s nervous system is structured completely differently from that of adults and does not function at full capacity. Severe psycho-emotional shock contributes to the development of adverse manifestations of neurodermatitis in a child.
• Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Various pathologies accompanied by impaired absorption and assimilation of nutrients and vitamins especially often lead to the development of neurodermatitis. Insufficient intake of vital components leads to a decrease in the functioning of the immune and nervous systems. Such exhaustion contributes to the further development of signs of neurodermatitis in the baby.

• Various parasite infestations. In pediatric practice, this is facilitated by various helminthic diseases. In the process of their life, helminths distinguish a large amount of toxic substances. They have a negative effect on the entire child"s body, gradually poisoning it. Long-term helminthic invasion contributes to a decrease in immunity in a child and can lead to the appearance of signs of neurodermatitis.
• Consequences of frequent infectious diseases. Babies who often suffer from bacterial and viral infections, according to statistics, have a higher risk of developing neurodermatitis. This is due to the fact that during any infectious pathology, immunity is significantly reduced. A long and severe course of infection can lead to the fact that a child, especially one with a tendency to various allergic reactions, develops neurodermatitis.

Clinical variants

Based on the predominant localization, pediatric neurodermatitis can be classified into multiple types by scientists. A suitable treatment appointment is necessary for each of these forms. The age of the child and the features of his physical development are two factors that affect how severe the symptoms are.

Physicians differentiate between various clinical variations of the illness:

• Limited or local. In this case, pathological rashes are mainly localized in one, less often two adjacent anatomical zones. They can appear almost everywhere: on the hands, face, neck, back, arms and legs.
• Diffuse. This variant is characterized by the appearance of skin rashes on different parts of the child"s body.
• Linear. Characterized by the presence of specific skin changes mainly on the arms or legs of the small patient.

• Follicular. Skin rashes occur more in the scalp, in places where hair grows.
• Hypertrophic. Pathological skin rashes cover mainly the entire groin area.
• Psoriasiform. Skin rashes affect the skin of the face and scalp.

Symptoms

On your own, you can suspect the illness at home. In contrast to his prior state of total well-being, the child experiences a number of adverse skin symptoms. There are various ways in which these clinical signs can manifest. They are typically expressed in younger children, even less so than in teenagers. Statistics show that the disease’s severe course usually manifests between the ages of 12 and 14.

Neurodermatitis is characterized by the following symptoms:

• The appearance of red spots. They can be of different diameters and shapes. Often the contour of such skin rashes is uneven. They differ noticeably in color from healthy skin. In some cases, instead of spots on the skin, numerous blisters appear, containing serous fluid inside.
• Severe itching. Perhaps this is the main and most pronounced sign of the disease. Itching with neurodermatitis is simply unbearable. This brings severe discomfort to the baby and significantly disrupts his well-being. A sick child constantly scratches the itchy skin, which contributes to the fact that a secondary infection gets into the wounds and suppuration begins.

• Deterioration of health. Severe itching significantly disrupts the child"s behavior. Babies eat less, their sleep is disturbed. Usual favorite activities do not cause the child the same delight and do not bring him satisfaction. In some cases, the baby"s health is worsened by the appearance of a headache and an increase in body temperature.
• Severe dryness and peeling of the skin. This symptom is more pronounced in inflamed areas of the skin. When examining the skin, various longitudinal and transverse grooves and lines can be found. Severe peeling on the scalp leads to the appearance of severe dandruff.

Diagnostics

Make sure you show the child to a doctor as soon as the disease’s initial symptoms are noticed. Sometimes neurodermatitis presents itself as another dermatological condition. It is necessary to perform additional diagnostics in order to determine the accurate diagnosis.

An exclusionary pathology is neurodermatitis. In order to make this diagnosis, the physician has to rule out any other inflammatory skin conditions that the infant may have, as these conditions can develop with similar clinical symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for neurodermatitis should begin as soon as adverse symptoms manifest. Prescription medication falls under the category of therapy for this pathology. The attending physician makes the decision about the course of treatment. When neurodermatitis develops as a result of long-term illnesses affecting internal organs, it is sometimes necessary to rule out the underlying cause. In this instance, prompt therapy for exacerbations of the child’s pre-existing pathologies will result in the spontaneous disappearance of all adverse skin manifestations.

Neurodermatitis is treated with the following methods:

• Hypoallergenic diet. Such therapeutic nutrition completely excludes any products with high allergenic properties. The following are completely excluded from the children"s menu: chocolate, seafood, citrus fruits, bee products, tropical fruits and berries.

All of your life, you should stick to the diet. This will assist in averting future relapses.

• Drug therapy. Various antihistamines are used to eliminate severe skin itching. The dosage, frequency and duration of use are selected by the attending physician. Suprastin, Claritin, Loratadine and other drugs will help reduce itching on the skin and improve the child"s well-being. Usually, these drugs are prescribed during the acute period of the disease to eliminate symptoms, and can also be taken to prevent future seasonal exacerbations.

• Adjunctive therapy and products containing biologically active components. Help eliminate adverse symptoms and improve the child"s condition. Various biologically active substances included in the composition of Tianshi drugs have a pronounced effect.

• Daily routine. For children suffering from neurodermatitis, regular rest and quality sleep are very important. For the proper functioning of the nervous system, a night"s sleep of at least 8-9 hours is required. Children of an earlier age should sleep a little more. Daytime sleep should also be included in the daily routine of a child suffering from neurodermatitis.

Although treating children’s neurodermatitis can be difficult, symptoms can be managed with the correct attention. Comprehending triggers, maintaining skin hydration, and adhering to medical guidance are essential measures in ensuring your child’s comfort.

By making sure their children adhere to the treatment plan, use any creams or medications that are prescribed, and monitor any changes, parents play a critical role in providing support to their children. It’s critical to exercise patience because flare-ups can come on suddenly.

You can help your child manage their neurodermatitis and enhance their quality of life by being knowledgeable and collaborating closely with medical professionals.

Children with neurodermatitis have a chronic skin condition that frequently results in extreme itching and irritation, as well as discomfort and restless nights. It is frequently brought on by allergies, stress, or environmental factors. Proper skincare, identifying triggers, and occasionally medication are necessary for managing it. Understanding the condition and working with a healthcare professional can help reduce flare-ups and improve a child’s quality of life, even though it can be frustrating for both the parents and the child.

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