What is the danger of neurodermatitis in a child? This question is asked by many parents, because children are more prone to certain skin diseases.
Skin rash, itching, burning - this is what many babies have to deal with. Naturally, such symptoms cause concern in parents. Concerned mothers are looking for any available information. What is neurodermatitis? Symptoms and treatment, causes and possible complications are things to consider.
What is an affliction? General information
Skin diseases can hardly be considered a rarity. And neurodermatitis in a child is an extremely 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) is of autoimmune origin and is associated with the reaction of the immune system to certain irritants. It should be noted that children are more prone to this disease. According to statistics, about 40% of all inflammatory diseases fall on neurodermatitis.skin diseases.
Unfortunately, this disease is chronic - periods of exacerbation are replaced by more or less long periods of relative well-being. However, with the help of modern treatments and the right diet, a stable remission can be achieved.
Main causes of disease development
Neurodermatitis is associated with reactions of the immune system - for one reason or another, the child's body reacts inadequately to contact with certain substances. Allergens are most often food products, although sometimes allergic reactions are associated with the use of cosmetics, contact with household chemicals, 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 diseases that are hidden);
- intoxication of the body;
- worm infestations;
- unfavorable living conditions (in terms of ecology);
- if we are talking about neurodermatitis in newborns, then its development may be associated with incorrectnutrition of women during pregnancy and lactation.
What symptoms accompany the disease?
Of course, the clinical picture in this case may look different, because everything here 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. It is also possible the appearance of a small blistering rash. Papules often open up from constant scratching, as a result of which the affected areas become 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 and begins to peel off. Due to dehydration of the upper layers of the epidermis, the skin pattern becomes clearer. There may be dark, rough patches 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, since 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 anywhere on 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 nevertheless accompanied by a verycharacteristic symptoms.
- Linear neurodermatitis on the hands of children is quite often recorded. With this form of the disease, the rashes are linear and localized on the skin of the extremities.
- With the follicular form of the disease, those areas of the skin on which the largest number of hair follicles is 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.
- Psoriasomorphic 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 research is being carried out.
It is very important to collect as complete an anamnesis of the child as possible. The presence in the medical record of information about allergic diseases only confirms the suspicion of neurodermatitis. Additionally, allergic tests are carried out - so you can find out what exactly provokes a reaction from the immune system.
During a blood test, an increase in the level of immunoglobulin E can be detected. Sometimes a skin biopsy is performed.
Modern treatment of chronic neurodermatitis in children with drugs
Therapy for 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 means are included in the treatment regimen:
- antihistamine drugs that help relieve swelling, slow down 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 improve the functioning of the digestive tract ("Mezim", "Festal");
- corticosteroids, mostly 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 to help get rid of increased excitation of the nervous system (valerian root or motherwort tincture);
- various topical ointments, including tar ointment for example.
Physiotherapy activities
Quite often in modern medicine, they face such a problem as neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis) in children. Medical treatment certainly helps. However, sometimes some additional procedures are necessary for a full recovery.
Effective is magnetic therapy, selective phototherapy, as well as treatment with diadynamiccurrents. Quite often, the affected areas of the skin are irradiated with an individually selected dose of ultraviolet radiation. They also recommend reflexology and thalassotherapy, which have a positive effect on the work of the whole organism, including the nervous system.
Sanatorium-resort treatment is what doctors recommend in the event that a similar disease has been 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 thing 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 food. To begin with, potential allergens must be excluded from the diet. In most cases, these are cow's milk (or infant formula containing casein), eggs (particularly yolks), red fruits.
A child with neurodermatitis is advised to give up sweets. Sudden changes in blood glucose levels negatively affect the functioning of the nervous system, and increased arousal, in turn, can only aggravate the situation. Moreover, sweets and other sweets usually 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 andother harmful substances.
Recommendations from experts
Now you know what neurodermatitis is. Symptoms and treatment in this case are closely related. Naturally, proper diet, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other treatments will help eliminate the underlying symptoms.
However, there are also a few tips that doctors recommend following. Neurodermatitis in a child is a serious problem that cannot be ignored. The skin of the baby must be kept clean, so in no case should you ignore the melting of personal hygiene. Herbal decoctions can be added to bath water. Care cosmetics (soap, body lotions, baby cream) must be of high quality and hypoallergenic. Experts also recommend paying attention to clothes for a child - it is better to give preference to natural, lightweight materials that will provide good "ventilation" of the skin and will not irritate the baby's delicate skin tissues.
As already mentioned, allergic reactions in neurodermatitis are directly related to increased excitation of the nervous system. Therefore, it is important to create comfortable conditions for the child (as well as for an older patient) without quarrels and stress. If there are 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 are sometimes excellenthelp to cope with skin rashes and itching.
- It is believed that a decoction of burdock root helps with neurodermatitis. Two small spoons of vegetable raw materials should be brewed in a glass of boiling water (boil over low heat for about 10 minutes). Then the liquid must be cooled and filtered. Babies take 50 ml of decoction (preferably before meals).
- Compresses of decoctions of horsetail, oak bark and mallow help relieve itching. You can gently wipe the affected areas of the skin with a cotton swab dipped in the prepared decoction. The procedure is repeated about 6 times a day.
- Herbs such as chamomile, string and sage have anti-inflammatory properties. You can make compresses out of them. In addition, decoctions are added to bathing water.
Of course, compresses and medicinal decoctions are only auxiliary means. In no case should you refuse drug therapy.
Possible complications of neurodermatitis
As statistics show, neurodermatitis in a child in most cases can be successfully treated. Nevertheless, in some cases, the disease 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 children are nervous and irritable. Development of an asthenic state is possible.
From constant scratching, scratches and sores appear on the affected areas of the skin. Sometimesneurodermatitis can be complicated by bacterial and fungal infections, which are sometimes difficult to treat.
Prevention measures and forecasts
Unfortunately, there is no specific medicine to minimize the risk of developing the disease. However, high-risk patients must follow some rules, in particular, to exclude any contact with the allergen. Children need to follow 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 quality skin care products.
According to statistics, in most cases, periodic outbreaks of neurodermatitis disappear by the age of 20-30, so the prognosis for patients is favorable.
