Contents
NEURODERMATITIS - CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & CARE TIPS
Jamina Leitenmeier
Reading time approx. 8 minutes
27.02.2025
It is estimated that around 14% of all people will suffer from atopic dermatitis at some point in their lives. All the more reason to pay more attention to the topic, because the more you know about atopic dermatitis and its causes, the better you can alleviate the symptoms.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that occurs in episodes. This means that with atopic dermatitis, the skin condition repeatedly improves and then worsens again. In technical terms, this condition is called chronic recurrent.
What is atopic dermatitis? Common symptoms
The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary greatly from case to case, which is why it is not always so easy to diagnose the skin disease. They range from
- Pronounced itching
- about dry skin,
- Eczema
- to severely inflamed areas.
As atopic dermatitis can lead to scaly skin, it is sometimes confused with psoriasis.
Even though atopic dermatitis can also develop in adults, the symptoms typically appear in childhood.
- 10 - 15 percent of all children in Germany suffer from atopic eczema. In most cases, the dermatitis disappears again during puberty,
- which is why only 1 - 3 % of all adults are affected.
In adults, atopic dermatitis usually manifests itself on the elbows and back of the knees, but also on the hands. In children, it occurs more frequently on the cheeks, arms and legs.
How does atopic dermatitis develop?
Apart from genetic predisposition, the causes of atopic dermatitis have not yet been fully researched. However, some factors are suspected of triggering atopic dermatitis:
- Dysregulation of the skin immune system
- Disorders of the neurovegetative system
- Structural changes in important components such as Ceramides, proteins and enzymes
- Impaired function of the natural skin barrier
- Fat metabolism disorders of the skin
- Stress and psychological strain
- Genetic predisposition (probability of 60 - 80 % if both parents have the disease)
Atopic dermatitiscan have many different causes. It is therefore a so-called "multifactorial disease", as is the case with many other skin conditions.
The faulty structure of the skin barrier leads to extremely dry and cracked skin, making it our body's weak point. Unfavorable environmental influences, pathogens and allergens can penetrate more easily than in healthy skin.
Atopic dermatitis on the hands is particularly common because our hands come into contact with irritants more frequently or are more exposed to extreme temperatures such as heat or cold than the rest of the body.
The symptoms of atopic dermatitis
Where exactly atopic dermatitis occurs and how severe it is varies from person to person and can also change over the course of a person's life.
The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis are
- Dry and sensitive skin
- Agonizing itching
- Reddened skin
- Bubbles
- Scaly, weeping patches
Apart from the visible skin symptoms, the itching in particular is extremely distressing. Especially as constant scratching further damages the skin. Injuries to the skin fuel the inflammatory processes. Insomnia and fatigue are frequent consequences of the symptoms and severely impair the quality of life of those affected.
What does atopic dermatitis look like?
The skin disease manifests itself differently in each person affected. In addition to reddened and inflamed areas of skin, the skin is often dry and flaky. It is often accompanied by intense itching, which leads to scratching. This in turn favors
- Cracks,
- Bubble formation
- or even weeping spots on the skin.
Neurodermatitis to face - a special challenge
Neurodermatitis to face is a particular challenge for sensitive facial skin. The cheeks, forehead and lips are most frequently affected. Atopic dermatitis also appears on the eyes - as redness and swelling, for example. The symptoms can range from dryness and scaling to eczema to face .
To avoid further irritating the skin, you should Moisturize it with gentle, non-irritating products:
- Gentle cleanser: Use a mild cleansing milk Cleansing Milk that moisturizes.
- Moisturizing creams: Our HYALURON cream LIGHT moisturizes and leaves a nourishing protective film.
- sun screenProtect sensitive facial skin from UV rays with our SUN CREAM.
- Avoid irritants: Take care to avoid irritating care products.
-
Relieve feelings of tension and irritation: Our Ceramides serum cares for even sensitive skin and skin prone to neurodermatitis
Proper care with mild and non-irritating products is crucial to alleviate the symptoms to face .
Neurodermatitis and diet - the influence of food on the skin
Diet plays an important role in the management of atopic dermatitis, as certain foods can alleviate or exacerbate symptoms. Conscious food choices can help to improve skin health and reduce inflammation.
Influence of food on the skin
The skin is a mirror of our inner health, and diet has a direct impact on the appearance of the skin. In the case of atopic dermatitis, an unbalanced diet rich in sugar, saturated fats and processed foods can promote inflammation and worsen symptoms.
Conversely, certain nutrients and foods that have anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe the skin and relieve symptoms, such as:
- Fatty fish
- Fruit and vegetables
- Vitamins and minerals
- Nuts and seeds
- Wholemeal products
Atopic dermatitis and diet are closely linked. A targeted change in diet can have a positive effect on the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
- Make a note of which foods you consume to identify individual triggers.
- Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and support the healing process.
By making conscious food choices, you can improve your skin health in a targeted manner and - in consultation with your dermatologist - certainly alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis with the right diet.
Clothing for neurodermatitis - recommendations for skin-friendly textiles
Choosing the right clothing plays an important role in atopic dermatitis so as not to irritate the skin further. Choose skin-friendly materials that promote well-being, such as
- Cotton
- Linen
- Bamboo
- Modal
- Silk
To keep clothing skin-friendly and minimize the risk of skin irritation, you should also consider washing and care tips.
- Choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergents that are especially suitable for sensitive skin and avoid fabric softeners, as they can leave residues that can irritate the skin.
- Always wash your textiles at a minimum of 60 degrees to remove all bacteria and allergens.
These tips can alleviate your atopic dermatitis rash and the itching on your skin by wearing clothing with skin-friendly properties.
Our 10 tips for atopic dermatitis: What helps!
The be-all and end-all of skin care for atopic dermatitis is good basic care and the awareness that your skin is an organ that needs a lot of attention and loving care. You can also do a lot to support your skin from the inside out.
- Always pay close attention to the ingredients, whether in your diet or Bodycare.
- Use special neurodermatitis care and mild care products.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Pay attention to your gut health as it can be linked to hypersensitivity of the skin.
- Ensure sufficient moisture in skin care for atopic dermatitis.
- Make sure you relax sufficiently and reduce stress.
- Only use textiles made from natural, skin-friendly materials.
- Strengthen your skin barrier with special creams for atopic dermatitis.
- Avoid your trigger factors.
- Accept yourself as you are and try not to pay too much attention to the illness
Conclusion
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by dry, inflamed skin and severe itching. Targeted skin care, avoiding trigger factors and a conscious diet can help to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life of those affected.
FAQ
What helps against an atopic dermatitis flare-up?
Moisturizing creams, topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and the avoidance of known triggers such as stress and irritating substances help to combat an atopic dermatitis flare-up.
Which cream can support the skin with neurodermatitis?
A good choice for atopic dermatitis are moisturizing creams with ingredients such as urea, glycerin and ceramides, which strengthen the skin barrier and can relieve itching.
Is neurodermatitis contagious?
No, neurodermatitis is not a contagious skin disease.
Would you like to find out more about skin care?