The skin disease neurodermatitis occurs in episodes. Agonizing itching, scaly and extremely dry skin can be the result. In addition to medical treatment, which is carried out with different forms of therapy depending on the case of neurodermatitis, it is important to bring the skin back into balance. Consistent and gentle care can improve the condition of the skin and relieve itching.
Psychological stress caused by atopic dermatitis
Anyone suffering from neurodermatitis is not only affected by severe itching, but is also usually burdened with psychological stress as a result. This is because atopic dermatitis often occurs on visible areas of the body.
The face, neck and nape of the neck are often affected. Thus, the disease is visible to everyone, which often causes additional agony to those affected. Many sufferers have cracked skin behind the earlobe. Neurodermatitis also affects the spaces between the fingers and toes, as well as the back of the knees and elbows.
Skin care supports medical treatment
Neurodermatitis sufferers often get into a vicious circle, the skin itches so extremely that the affected person tends to scratch, which in turn stresses the skin and can even lead to further inflammation.
Since atopic dermatitis is incurable at the current state of research, it is all the more important to care for the skin in addition to the prescribed medical treatment and thus possibly positively promote the course of the disease.
New balance for the skin
Normally, the skin has the task of protecting us from the unhindered penetration of foreign bodies, such as viruses, fungi and chemical substances. In addition, the skin regulates temperature and prevents internal moisture loss.
In neurodermatitis, however, the skin’s natural barrier is extremely damaged. The skin then shows a lack of certain and important skin lipids and can also only store moisture to a small extent. In neurodermatitis patients, a high transepidermal water loss, TEWL, is a common consequence. Therefore, the skin must now be particularly well protected from external and potentially damaging substances.
Suitable care products for neurodermatitis.
Not all care is the same. The care products and cosmetics must be well chosen. It is especially important to use products that do not irritate the skin. Cosmetic products should therefore be free of preservatives, dyes, sillicones, mineral oils and perfumes for use in atopic dermatitis.
Many conventional creams contain emulsifiers for the purpose of acting as binders. However, these can accumulate in the skin and wash out the skin’s own fats with them after washing the skin. This is problematic for a neurodermatitis sufferer, because the result can be further drying of the skin.
Care products that are specially manufactured for sensitive skin often have skin-related membrane components as ingredients instead of emulsifiers. Lipids and ceramides can penetrate deep into the skin layers through this skin-like structure and supply the skin with moisture.
Gentle treatment of the skin
Cosmetics do not generally have to be avoided in atopic dermatitis, provided they are not used in excess. However, even with decorative cosmetics, only products made without fragrances and preservatives should be used. Many cosmetics manufacturers offer special products that meet the requirements of damaged and sensitive skin.
However, it is not only necessary to avoid aggressive soaps, but this applies equally to the detergent. Since the washed clothes come into direct contact with the skin in many parts of the body, the detergent should also be suitable for sensitive skin and be fragrance-free.
And accordingly, the choice of clothing and fabrics also plays a role. Skin-compatible clothing is important, as otherwise the itching can even be intensified. In addition, light therapy can provide positive effects for the skin.
