Neurodermatitis, or lichen simplex chronicus, is a skin disorder that started with a patch of itchy skin. Uncontrollable scratching may cause the skin to thicken and become scaly. Women are more susceptible to this condition than men. Common areas of itchy patch are on the arm, leg, or the back of the neck. Some develops in the anal and genital areas.
Neurodermatitis is not contagious nor life-threatening however, intense itchiness may be bothersome and start to interfere with your daily routine. The exact cause of this itchiness is unknown. Sometimes, it simply starts as skin irritation due to tight clothing or bug bites. Then the scratching doesn’t end. In some cases, neurodermatitis is associated with other skin conditions like dry skin, eczema or psoriasis. Stress and anxiety can trigger itching too.
