a question

[Guest guest]

Ok here is a question... i hope no one takes it wrong....

I have read that EN affects mostly women..ok but

does it affect people of different ethnicities?

I know that it is something that affects people else where in the

world.. I guess I am curious because I am what I consider multi

ethinic.. Black Irish and Native American .I haven't seen much on the

web when searching for answers.. I hope that this doesnt seem rude.

[Guest guest]

Dear Sherry,

Happy Valentine's Day dear friend! I had never heard of

neurodermatitis, so I did a search and found this:Definition: [n]

dermatitis in which localized areas (especially the forearms or back

of the neck or outer part of the ankle) itch persistently; cause is

unknown

It is not a manifestation of EN that I know of.

Here is a Link describing it with recommended treatment:

http://www.fpnotebook.com/DER234.htm

This may have something to do with your eating disorder if you

note the " Pruritus Causes " (click to read these). I hope you have

something to ease the itching. I had a bad case of hives a couple

yrs. ago and used a calamine spray on it called " Rhuli " . It helped

more then the other topicals or even the antihistamine pills I tried.

Here is what another site stated:

************

MAIN SEARCH INDEX

Lichen simplex chronicus

----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

Definition

Description

Causes and symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prognosis

Prevention

Key Terms

Resources

----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

Definition

Lichen simplex chronicus is a chronic inflammation of the skin

(dermatitis) characterized by small, round itchy spots that thicken

and become leathery as a result of scratching.

Description

Also termed neurodermatis, lichen simplex chronicus is the result of

chronic skin irritation. It occurs in 4-5 out of every thousand

people. Initial irritation causes itching, and in turn, itching

causes scratching. Scratching leads to further irritation, which

damages the skin. The possibility of infection is greatly increased

when the outer layer of protective skin is broken. Skin usually

repairs itself quickly; however, in the case of lichen simplex

chronicus, healing skin causes more itching and more scratching

causes a thickening of the skin (lichen). The small skin patches are

usually 1-10 in (2.54-25.4 cm) in diameter.

Causes and symptoms

Lichen simplex chronicus is often caused by constant rubbing of the

skin. The rubbing begins the chain of events that leads from itching

to scratching and then to the presence of leather-like skin patches.

Symptoms are chronic itching which is often accompanied by nervous

tension. The appearance of scratch marks and the leathery skin

patches can be found anywhere on the body. A prolonged lichen simplex

chronicus can result in brown-colored pigmentation at the site of

irritation.

Diagnosis

A dermatologist, a physician specializing in the study and treatment

of skin disorders, can make a diagnosis after a visual exam.

Treatment

Treatment of the itching is necessary to stop the scratching and

resulting skin damage. There are a number of ways to stop itching.

Perhaps the most important is to cut fingernails very short. Ice can

substitute for the relief of scratching. Heat and fuzzy clothing

worsen itching; cold and smooth clothing pacify it. If the itching is

persistent, dressings may be applied to the affected areas.

Among the topical medications that relieve itching are a number of

commercial preparations containing menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil,

and aloe. Topical cortisone is also available without a prescription.

Some preparations also contain antihistamines, which penetrate intact

skin poorly. All these medicines work better under occlusion, which

means putting a waterproof barrier like a rubber glove or plastic

wrap over them. For broken skin, topical antibiotics like bacitracin

help prevent infection. These should be used early to forestall

further damage to the skin.

Reducing the buildup of thick skin may require medicines that

dissolve or melt keratin, the major chemical in skin's outer layer.

These keratolytics include urea, lactic acid, and salicylic acid.

Resistant cases of lichen simplex chronicus will often respond to

cortisone-like drugs injected directly into the lesions.

Sedatives or tranquilizers may be prescribed to combat the nervous

tension and anxiety that often accompanies the condition.

Prognosis

Diligent adherence to treatment is usually rewarded with a resolution

of the condition. The original cause of itching may be gone, or it

may reappear. Preventive treatment in its early stages will arrest

the process.

Prevention

Early, gentler substitutes for scratching can entirely prevent lichen

simplex chronicus.

**************

By the way, did you read that wonderful article Sue posted? It

is with reference to Lupus, and I am going to post it to the SAD

Group in a while.

Take care, and I'll be adding that article to the SAD site soon.

Love,

> Is Neurodermattis a form of en?? I was just diagnosed with yet

> another skin ailment and was wondering if the 2 were related.

> Any help would be greatly appreciated.

> sherry

[Guest guest]

Thank you so very much for the info..I never even thought to look it

up lol..brain fog today..This has really helped I think you are to

something with the eating disorder and also my Discoid doesnt help

as I am always trying not to scratch lol..Once again ty for the time

you took for me..it really means alot you are the best!!!!

Hugs

sher

PS....HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!!!!!

> > Is Neurodermattis a form of en?? I was just diagnosed with yet

> > another skin ailment and was wondering if the 2 were related.

> > Any help would be greatly appreciated.

> > sherry