From nutrition to room air: which trigger can trigger a neurodermatitis boost

Neurodermatitis, also called atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. International studies show that around 10 to 20 percent of children in industrialized countries, including in Luxembourg, suffer from neurodermatitis. It is around three to five percent for adults.

The skin barrier of those affected is disturbed. That means: moisture is lost much faster and at the same time pollutants, germs or allergens have easy play. As a result, the immune system reacts overflowing and there is inflammation. Haubs are red, dandruff and itching, in the worst case the eczema wet.

Dr. Melanie Hilgers, dermatologist in Luxembourg, treats many affected people in their practice. The typical combination of neurodermatitis, asthma and allergies is also confirmed in their practice. Neurodermatitis also runs in batches.

So there are almost symptom -free phases. Babies and children are often affected by the cheeks. « When feeding baby porridge, parents should therefore make sure that the food really ends up in the mouth and not as much on sensitive skin. More recent studies indicate that food on the damaged skin triggers allergies and neurodermatitis, » says Hilgers.

In adults, skin disease usually occurs on hands, neck or in the elbow and back of the back of the back. The itching is particularly stressful for those affected, which can massively impair the night sleep and thus cause exhaustion.

Trigger for a neurodermatitis boost

The list is long and varies from person to person. For example, trigger are dry, warm room air in winter. Stimulus fabrics can be in soaps and cosmetic products, but also skin contact with allergens such as house dust mites and animal hair as well as stress can trigger a thrust.

Dermatologist Dr. Melanie Hilgers recommends avoiding hot showers. Sweating, infections or hormonal changes also bring the skin out of balance. The expert advises to keep a skin diary in order to get a feeling for trigger over time and then avoid it as consistently as possible.

Neurodermatitis cannot be healed, the treatment is there to calm down the skin, relieve inflammation and prevent new batches. The focus is on daily basic care. « Cream is the be -all and end -all, » says Hilgers. Because rich creams or ointments – if possible without fragrances – support the skin and keep it moist. According to Dr. Hilger products with ceramids because they promote the skin barrier.

Help in the acute case

In an acute thrust, care is not enough. Cortisone creams can stop inflammation at short notice. « In the past it was said that it was better to only use cortisone for a short time, but today it is recommended to use the active ingredient proactively for a certain time, once or twice a week, i.e. rather preventive to avoid relapses, » said Dr. Hilgers. Local calcineurin inhibitors are an alternative to cortisone, these also have an anti-inflammatory effect.

If nothing helps and the quality of life suffers strongly, there are now also modern therapies that start directly in the immune system. This includes so -called biologicals such as dupilumab and tralokinumab. These are injected and specifically block certain messenger substances that otherwise fuel inflammation.

« If I use this, I also clarify possible side effects such as eye inflammation. However, those affected do not have to be afraid of these biologics, an increased susceptibility to infect due to a reduced immune system, » says the skin expert. Another modern therapy option are Januskinase inhibitors in tablet form.

Deliberately relieve the skin

In order not to burden the skin, those affected should take a shower as short and only lukewarm as possible. When washing, rely on mild, soap -free products. The dermatologist advises to be lipped up. Apply immediately after cleaning as long as the skin is still slightly moist.

And clothing also has a certain influence. So soft cotton is more pleasant for the skin than scratchy wool or synthetic substances. The laundry should be cleaned by means that do not contain fragrances.

If you tend to scratch it itchy places, you should keep your fingernails as short as possible and best wear cotton gloves at night. Very important: remove stress, because it increases the cortisol level in the long run – and that in turn can also trigger inflammation. So take breaks in everyday life. Because these mean not only peace for body and mind, but also for the skin. In addition, yoga or meditation can help to relax.

Patiently with yourself and his skin

The skin disease neurodermatitis is challenging, but if you listen to your skin and get well advised by a dermatologist or a dermatologist, you can achieve a lot. With consistent basic care, the knowledge of the very personal triggers and today’s therapies, relapses can be reduced and, above all, those affected do not feel so helplessly exposed to their neurodermatitis.