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Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is also known as atopic dermatitis and is a skin disease characterized by an itchy rash (atopic eczema). Sufferers are often affected by pollen or food allergies. The disease is most common in children and often disappears by itself during puberty. Atopic eczema cannot be cured by medication, but special measures, especially good skin care, can improve the rashes or even make them disappear completely.

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Causes

Why neurodermatitis develops in individuals is not yet fully understood. It is a disorder of the immune system, which often occurs together with allergies and can be acutely worsened by them. Typical foods that can trigger such a reaction are citrus fruits, tomatoes, seafood, peanuts and cow’s milk, although in principle an allergy can exist to any food. Cosmetics, preservatives and fragrances can also play a role. In addition, other influences can irritate the skin and trigger atopic eczema such as temperature changes, dehydration and humidity. Due to the damaged skin barrier in the context of the rashes, substances that lead to allergy can enter more easily and a vicious circle can develop. Genetic factors also seem to play a role: allergies and neurodermatitis in relatives are a risk factor for developing atopic dermatitis. Psychological and social factors such as emotional stress and external stress can also trigger a neurodermatitis flare-up.

Symptoms

The most important symptom of neurodermatitis is the rash. In the acute phase, this is reddened and itchy and then increasingly flakes off. The skin dries out increasingly and then begins to peel. In infancy, atopic dermatitis often manifests as a weeping reddish rash around the diaper area and the flexor sides of the arms and legs. As the child grows older, the rash becomes drier and itchier, which is why children often scratch the skin, causing the symptoms to worsen. Due to the ongoing inflammation, affected skin areas can become crusted and thickened over time. Discoloration may also occur. In adults, the most commonly affected areas are the back of the knees, elbow joints, neck, hands and feet. Neurodermatitis often occurs in episodes, which then require more intensive treatment.