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" Question I have had volcano-like sores on my body for six years.  The dermatologist I go to says it is neurodermatitis and is giving me amitriptyline. It makes me sleepy and after three months I still have the sores.  Can you tell me what is wrong with me or where I can go for more help?    Answer This condition is particularly difficult to treat.  Simply getting the problem under control can sometimes seem to take an absolute age and it may not always be possible to achieve complete resolution. The type of neurodermatitis you describe sounds very much like nodular prurigo, consisting of very itchy lumps, which out of necessity are often scratched on the surface and develop secondary infection.  This can then cause the condition to persist and topical or oral antibiotics (for more significant infection of the surrounding area) may be required.  Despite what you may feel, the condition is not usually due to diet or to contact sensitivity to substances, eg metal or detergents.  The cause is not clearly understood, but there would appear to be a familial link to allergic asthma, eczema and hay fever.  It is also reported that up to 20 per cent occur following an insect bite.  Stress and emotional upset can also be a contributory factor.  There are several ways to try to treat the problem:  Antihistamines can reduce the itch. One that I have found extremely useful, especially at night, is hydroxyzine hydrochloride. Steroids may sometimes be prescribed in tablet form for short courses if the condition is particularly troublesome. Topical steroid creams can also be used for the more pronounced lumps on the skin.  PUVA, a form of ultraviolet light treatment can be helpful for severely affected patients.  Antidepressants such as amitriptyline can be prescribed to reduce the itch and help reduce stress and anxiety.   I would suggest that you discuss the various options with your doctor and specialist.  The problem is not insurmountable, but considerable patience and understanding of the problem is necessary to make significant progress.  Yours sincerely The NetDoctor Medical Team   Other Qs &amp;amp; As Blister on my heel Circle patterns on the sole of the foot Corn Dealing with cracked skin on my heels Dermatomyositis Feeling unwell and with tiny red spots on my leg How should I treat the dry skin on my feet? I have unsightly veins Impetigo Impetigo treatment Is it lupus? Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum Pemphigus Should I see a chiropodist or a podiatrist? Skin allergy Skin infection Skin infection and chickenpox Sorting out smelly feet Tell me about neurofibromatosis Treating neurodermatitis Why is the skin on my inner thigh thin? Will Bowen&amp;amp;#8217;s disease turn cancerous?   Last updated 30.03.2014 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ask-the-expert/skin-and-hair/a3600/neurodermitis/>