The terminology of neurodermatitis

The authors consider it desirable that the following forms of this condition be singled out as a nosologic entity: (1) atopic neurodermatitis, a hereditary disease with characteristic immunologic shifts; (2) chronic diffuse neurodermatitis of adults, a disease developed by subjects without atopic anamnesis, characterized by a torpid course; remissions and exacerbations are not season-associated; (3) chronic local neurodermatitis, a disease with a typical morphology in foci of involvement, with prolonged remissions following intensive local therapy.     

An improvement in the terminology of atopic dermatitis-diffuse neurodermatitis

The problem of dermatologic terminology at large is discussed as exemplified by the synonymous terms concerned with diffuse neurodermatitis.     

Clinical forms of atopic neurodermatitis

Basing on their own observations and analysis of data on the clinical picture and pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, the authors suggest that four clinical forms of this condition be distinguished: erythematous squamous, erythematous squamous with lichen transformation, lichenoid, and prurigo-like. They consider it advisable that such terms as catarrhal exudative diathesis, childhood eczema, and diffuse neurodermatitis be used no more. Itching is suggested to be considered as a symptom and not cause of itching dermatoses.     

Multiple keratoacanthoma-like neurodermatitis nodularis

Two cases of an unusual neurodermatitis are presented. It is felt that these differ from prurigo and from keratoacanthoma. It is suggested that the condition is a type of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia due to trauma and chronic infection.     

The leukocyte migration inhibition reaction in children with neurodermatitis

This test (LMIT) with epidermal antigens and ConA, made in capillaries, has been carried out in examinations of 70 children aged 3-10, suffering from neurodermatitis. It has revealed a specific dose-dependent sensitization to epidermal antigens and reduced parameters of ConA-effected LMIT in such patients and a relationship between the ConA-effected leukocyte migration activity and the dermatosis stage.     

The effect of topically applied aspirin on localized circumscribed neurodermatitis

BACKGROUND: Lichen simplex chronicus is a troublesome intractable itchy dermatosis, which may persist despite intensive topical treatments. Recently it has been demonstrated that topical aspirin solution with dichloromethane has a significant antipruritic effect in an experimentally induced itch. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this double-blind, crossover placebo trial was to evaluate the efficacy of this solution in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with lichen simplex chronicus of at least 3 months' duration that did not respond to topical corticosteroids were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive aspirin/dichloromethane solution in treatment period 1 for 2 weeks followed by placebo in treatment period 2 or placebo followed by aspirin in period 2 with a crossover design after a 2-week washout. The patients rated the pruritus intensity before and during therapy with a visual analog scale; a blinded investigator performed photographic assessment. RESULTS: A significant therapeutic response was achieved in 11 (46%) of the patients who completed the study compared with 3 patients (12%) receiving placebo. Overall, aspirin-treated patients experienced an average decrease in the visual analog scale of 2.18 +/- 2.86 versus 0.69 +/- 2.31 of those receiving placebo. The difference between the 2 treatments for week 2 was significant (P =.03). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that topical aspirin/dichloromethane might be a practical treatment for lichen simplex chronicus.     

The use of H-1 antihistamine preparations in neurodermatitis patients

Correlations between clinical variants of neurodermatitis course and patients' lymphocyte sensitivity to histamine are analyzed. The atopic form is associated with high lymphocyte sensitivity to histamine. Administration of H-1 antihistaminic agents to these patients is not always justified. Antihistaminic drugs should be prescribed to neurodermatitis patients with due consideration for the individual sensitivity of patient's lymphocytes to histamine.