Darrick Robles Neurodermatitis or atopic eczema is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease that is usually associated with dry, scaly skin and severe itching. The disease usually heals spontaneously. However, recurring skin problems are often observed.
Definition
Neurodermatitis usually manifests itself in the first years of life and improves over time. The children of parents with neurodermatitis or bronchial asthma often have a higher risk of developing the disease. Atopic dermatitis has a variable course with many recurrences and symptom-free intervals.
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
In the foreground is the strong itching. Depending on the stage of the disease, other symptoms may include:
- Rash with nodular skin changes
- Darker skin color in the affected skin areas
- skin flaking and much more
Typical parts of the body that are often affected by atopic eczema in adulthood:
- Hals
- elbow
- behind the knees
- face
- extremities
Causes of neurodermatitis
A globally recognized cause of neurodermatitis does not yet exist. However, genetic and immunological factors play an important role in the development of neurodermatitis.
Many people with neurodermatitis have a genetic defect in the outer layer of skin (epidermis), which provides protection against environmental factors. The barrier function of this skin layer is impaired in those affected. This in turn leads to increased water loss through the skin and an increased susceptibility to skin infections.
Eczema in children
Children show more symptoms than adults. The disease usually manifests itself in infancy and early childhood through itchy, red, scaly skin on the cheeks, face and scalp with gaps in the diaper area. Timely treatment and regular skin care are essential to prevent skin inflammation and other complications such as skin fungi.
Diagnose
How can a doctor diagnose eczema?
Neurodermatitis is a visual diagnosis. That said, the doctor can often make the diagnosis based on the medical history, the areas of the body that are affected, and the characteristics of the rash. In some cases, allergy diagnostics are recommended, since neurodermatitis may be accompanied by other allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma.
When do I have to go to the doctor
If you suspect a skin infection or notice an acute flare-up with itching, pain, rash and new skin changes, you should contact a doctor.
What helps against neurodermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term disease. Most treatment options only reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms but cannot cure them.
The first priority is to avoid trigger factors to prevent skin irritation. A list of possible triggers can be found below in the text.
Moisturizers can be used 2 to 3 times a day to protect the skin from drying out. Moist compresses in the area of the affected skin areas can also reduce redness and inflammation. In some cases, after consultation with the doctor, antihistamines can be taken to relieve the itching.
In the case of acute relapses, various medications such as B. antibiotics, calcineurin inhibitors and cortisone creams are used.
Possible trigger factors for neurodermatitis
- Warm and cold temperatures
- Strong temperature fluctuations
- Sweat
- Stress
- Exposure to certain chemicals: laundry detergent, perfume, makeup, soap
- Certain fabrics such as wool or synthetic fibers (e.g. polyester)
- Dry air
This is how Med-Healths can help with neurodermatitis
If you have an acute flare-up or are looking for advice on your neurodermatitis, you can consult a doctor via video consultation. In the app, it is also possible to upload pictures so that you can explain your symptoms to the doctor in more detail. In addition, you can discuss further therapeutic and preventive measures with the doctor.
