Neurodermatitis treatment

What are the causes of neurodermatitis?

The causes are still not fully understood.
Neurodermatitis often occurs together with other diseases from the "atopic group", such as asthma or hay fever. Due to a mostly genetic predisposition, those affected react excessively to certain substances. The reaction of the skin is caused by cytokines, which are messenger substances that activate certain defence cells. This leads to an increased release of histamine, which causes inflammation and itching of the skin.

What are the typical symptoms of neurodermatitis?

Characteristic symptoms are reddened and inflamed skin areas that itch intensely.
In the acute stage, the skin begins to redden. The itching is so intense that the affected person scratches the skin, which leads to bleeding skin, infections and thus to even worse itching. The inflammation spreads over a large area.
Most often, the skin is very dry and prone to the formation of eczema. Atopic dermatitis, as this disease is also called, occurs in episodes.

Triggers of atopic dermatitis

There are many factors (triggers) that trigger a neurodermatitis flare-up. They can be care products, chemical substances, clothing, an infection, but also stress. People with atopic dermatitis are often prone to depression or anxiety. There is often more to atypical dermatitis than the eczema on the skin.
The skin of affected patients is particularly sensitive in winter, when the skin also dries out due to cold and wind.

Neurodermatitis can occur at any age. If it develops in infancy, the skin changes typically appear in areas of the body such as the elbows, the back of the knees or in the eyelids. In infancy, it is manifested by itchy blisters on the cheeks and scalp.