Introduction
The cause of neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis) has not yet been clarified. It is assumed that genetic and immunological factors interact. Genetic defects can lead to a disturbed barrier function of the skin and thus facilitate the penetration of allergens.
The increased penetration of allergens causes first an inflammatory reaction and then an immune reaction. The hygiene hypothesis plays an important role in the development of neurodermatitis. This hypothesis states that with increasing living and hygiene standards, the immune system is insufficiently “trained” and consequently reacts more strongly to allergens.
Trigger for neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis can be triggered by various factors. First of all, a distinction is made between different forms of neurodermatitis. Triggering allergens can be: In addition to the allergens described, the following factors can “trigger” neurodermatitis (trigger factors):
- In 70-80% of cases, neurodermatitis is caused by an increased sensitivity to environmental and food allergens (extrinsic form)
- In 20-30% of those affected, such sensitization is not detectable (intrinsic form).
- House dust mites
- Animal Epithelia
- Pollen
- Food (especially milk, egg, nuts, fish, soy and wheat)
- Nickel
- Fragrances
- Skin irritations (textiles (wool), sweating, heat build-up, excessive/aggressive skin cleansing, tobacco smoke exposure)
- Extreme climate (cold, very dry or humid air)
- Emotional strain (stress)
- Hormone Fluctuations
- Infects
- Lifestyle (obesity, tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption)
A trigger for neurodermatitis that should not be neglected is psychological stress.
Stress leads in our body to a release of stress hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline and histamine. In addition to increasing the heart rate and blood pressure, these hormones trigger an inflammatory reaction. Cells from the blood migrate into the tissue to fight potential pathogens. Especially histamine causes severe itching in the skin. People who suffer from neurodermatitis should therefore avoid stress or reduce it by using specific relaxation techniques.
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