Neurodermatitis has so frequently been used to discuss any skin eruption associated with anxiety that it has become less specific as a diagnosis. It was intended to refer to localized circumscribed patches of lichenified skin associated with itching. Without proper knowledge of its etiology or its appearance it can be confused with many other conditions, resulting in poor management. The authors characterize the diagnosis as it was intended and give a capsule description of its appearance, differential diagnosis, prognosis and management.