Cortisone for neurodermatitis

Introduction

Neurodermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the skin. On the one hand it leads to dry and itchy skin, on the other hand rashes can occur. It can be divided into different stages and the treatment depends on the appropriate stage. Cortisone is used in acute attacks and can be dosed differently according to need.

When do I need Cortsion for neurodermatitis?

Neurodermatitis is a chronic recurrent disease. However, the disease can worsen in phases and eczema can occur in different parts of the body. This phase is called an acute flare.

During this episode, the affected persons especially complain about an agonizing itching. Glucocorticoids (cortisone) can be used therapeutically on affected areas. Cortisone inhibits the production of inflammatory messengers and suppresses the body’s own immune system.

Due to a downregulated immune system, the superficial skin cells are less attacked and damaged. The inflammatory reaction is also milder. The dosage and type of cortisone preparation depends on the severity and localisation of the symptoms.

Neurodermatitis can be divided into 4 degrees of severity. Level 1 is a mild form which is associated with dry skin. In this case general measures such as avoiding cold air, heavy sweating and individual triggering factors should be observed.

Additionally, the skin should be cared for with moisturizing creams. A cortisone therapy is not yet necessary here. Stage 2 describes neurodermatitis with mild eczema.

In this case low-dose cortisone preparations (hydrocortisone) can be administered. From stage 3 on, high-potency cortisone preparations (betamethasone, mometasone) should be used, as the eczema is more pronounced in this case. And from stage 4 on, very potent preparations (clobetasol) should be prescribed.

In addition to local therapy with cortisone preparations, oral application may be necessary. This is the case in severe neurodermatitis with eczema in different parts of the body. In order to shorten the duration of the relapse, the dose must be increased on the one hand and taken orally on the other.

In this way the cortisone can have a systemic effect, i.e. it can act throughout the body. It can act on cells of the immune system, where it leads to a downregulation of their activity. Furthermore, the inflammatory reaction is alleviated, as less pro-inflammatory messenger substances are produced. .

These creams are available

There are many different creams on the market. Depending on the severity of the neurodermatitis, a suitable cream is prescribed. For mild neurodermatitis, creams containing hydrocortisone are prescribed first.

These are available without prescription in pharmacies and will be explained in the next paragraph. In case of severe symptoms, highly potent cortisone preparations are needed – creams containing betamethasone can be used for this purpose. There are numerous products on the market, such as the Betamethason Hexal® Comp Ointment (with 0.64mg bethethason), the Beta Cream from Lichtenstein (with 1.21mg bethethason) and the BetaGalen® Cream (1.21mg bethethason).

Your doctor should prescribe the appropriate cream with the correct dosage. If the neurodermatitis is very pronounced, use the very strongly effective Clobetasol. Also in this case different products have to be bought, like the Clobetasol acis cream (with 0.50mg Clobetasol).

Besides these creams neurodermatitis sufferers should continue to attach importance to the basic care. For this purpose creams with a high lipid content should be used as the barrier function of the skin has to be stabilized. – The skin care for neurodermatitis

  • Cortisone ointment
  • These creams can help with neurodermatitis

Mild cortisone preparations, such as hydrocortisone, can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy.

They are usually available in a dosage of 0.25% or 0.5%. Possible products for sale are FeniHydrocort®, Hydrocortisone-Ratiopharm®, Soventol® HydroCort or Systral® Hydrocort. However, these creams only help with slightly pronounced neurodermatitis. In case of severe symptoms or acute attacks, you should consult a dermatologist who will prescribe the appropriate cream.