What is neurodermatitis and what helps against it?

Neurodermatitis, the so-called atopic eczema, is a skin disease that is characterized by extreme dryness with redness and severe itching. Those affected are severely affected by this skin disease, as it is ubiquitous and greatly limits the choice of clothing and skin care products. It manifests itself in different forms - from intermittent occurrence with intermittent improvement to permanent appearance.

The most important points in brief:

• The main complaints are redness, very intense itching and extreme dryness of the skin.
• Infants and children are most affected, but atopic dermatitis can persist even into adulthood.
• The triggers of the skin disease are manifold. From genetic skin dryness to allergic reactions to food, skin and laundry care products to psychological causes such as stress.

What are the causes of atopic dermatitis?

There is no one single cause of the skin disease. Presumably several triggers come together and then result in the neurodermitic skin appearance. Congenital dry skin is generally very sensitive and prone to irritation and disorders. The skin barrier is reduced and it dries out. Stress, dry air in winter and unfamiliar care substances on the skin, such as skin care products or detergents and fabric softeners, can then immediately trigger a surge. It is noticeable that affected people are often prone to allergies to pollen, animal hair or food.

Atopic dermatitis is very common in infants and young children. The scalp can be covered with cradle cap, but a large rash is not uncommon. Often there is an improvement in the neurodermatitis or it even grows out again after a few months or until school age. Quite a few adults suffer from more or less pronounced neurodermatitis throughout their life or in extraordinary phases of life.

What are the symptoms of the skin disease?

The affected areas of the skin are very dry, itchy, flaky, oozing, and are red and irritated. Arm and knee bends are particularly affected, and in children the face, arms and legs. Scratching can often not be avoided, but only provides short-term relief from the excruciating itching. However, this also injures the skin and creates inflammation and scabs. During the healing process, itching occurs again. That is why it is extremely important to keep the skin moist and calm. An actual cure is hardly possible, but a noticeable improvement is achievable.

Which ointments and creams really help against neurodermatitis?

The symptoms can be improved with good skin care. With moisturizing creams and ointments , itching and dryness can be alleviated somewhat. Nature offers some “miracle cures”. These include salt from the Dead Sea, witch hazel (not without reason also called witch hazel) or heart seeds (also known as cardiospermum) and nourishing vegetable oils. There are also numerous non-herbal ingredients that soothe the skin and relieve symptoms.

We recommend tried and tested products with mild active ingredients in the form of baths, creams, ointments or lotions. These can be used in the long term without any problems. If you don't have the opportunity to go to the Dead Sea, you can bring it into your own bathtub with salt crystals from the Dead Sea. The selection of care products for cleaning and application is large.

In severe cases or in phases with very severe symptoms, prescription-only products prescribed by a doctor can help.