How to make the diagnosis

In order to be able to make a diagnosis of neurodermatitis, no special tests are usually required. Often the skin finding, in this case the crook of the arm, alone is a relatively reliable indication of the presence of the disease. The crook of the arm is a very typical localization for neurodermatitis, especially in children.

The skin is often rough and dry in other parts of the body as well. In addition, the family history provides further indications of the diagnosis. Often parents, grandparents or siblings are also affected.

Associated symptoms

If there is neurodermatitis in the crook of the arm, various accompanying symptoms can occur. In the interval, often only a somewhat rough and rather dry skin is noticeable. If an acute neurodermatitis attack occurs, reddish eczema foci develop.

They can be dry and scaly in a chronic course, but often appear in the acute stage with swelling and blisters. Eczema often wets during the acute phase. Neurodermatitis in the crook of the arm is often accompanied by a pronounced and agonizing itching.

The increased scratching caused by the itching leads to a deterioration of the skin condition. In addition to neurodermatitis, other diseases of the atopic form may be present. In the case of asthma, there is a sudden shortness of breath and coughing. With hay fever the eyes itch and water and the nose runs during the pollen season.

Treatment of neurodermatitis in the crook of the arm

The treatment of neurodermatitis in the crook of the arm is usually a long-term therapy which must be carried out regularly. First of all, the basic therapy with moisturizing and fat-containing creams which have to be applied at least once a day is decisive. In the acute stage, it may also be necessary to use cortisone preparations in ointment form.

Cortisone-containing ointments should always be applied as briefly as possible due to their possible side effects during long-term use. In recent years, ointments containing so-called immunomodulators have proven to be another therapeutic option for severe neurodermatitis in the area of the crook of the arm that does not respond adequately to cortisone preparations. In case of bacterial colonization in severe neurodermatitis (bacterial superinfection), the application of local antibiotics may become necessary.In addition to the measures mentioned above, there are general measures that are intended to avoid possible triggers of acute attacks as much as possible.

These include the avoidance of clothing that can trigger a neurodermatitis attack, as well as the avoidance of potentially triggering foods. Which substances and foods can trigger a neurodermatitis attack varies greatly from one individual to another and is based on experience and close observation. In addition, too dry indoor air and smoking indoors should be avoided.

For susceptible children and adults, restrictive contact with pets may be necessary. Softeners and soaps should be avoided. pH-neutral washing emulsions are suitable for personal hygiene.

Moisturizing, moisturizing creams containing glycerin or urea should be used for basic care. There are different creams which differ in composition and fat content. Often it has to be tried out individually which base cream achieves the best effect.

In acute phases, the application of ointments containing cortisone is often necessary. Frequently used active agents are mometasone, methylprednisolone and hydrocortisone. If no sufficient effect can be observed under cortisone-containing ointments, drugs from the group of calcineurin inhibitors in ointment form have also been used in recent years.

Used preparations are here Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus. The ointments are applied 1-2 times a day on the affected skin areas. The application of cold can be helpful for the relief of itching.

Either in the form of cooling packs wrapped in a cloth or with the help of cold, moist cloths which are placed on the eczema focus in the crook of the arm. Saline compresses can also have a soothing effect. For this purpose, either saline solution from the pharmacy (0.9%) or self-made saline solution (9 grams of saline to 11 liters of boiled water) can be used.

Clean cotton cloths or compresses can then be soaked in the saline solution and placed on the crook of the arm or wrapped around it. The skin should then be treated with a base cream. In the case of heavily weeping eczema, saline compresses often lead to a painful burning sensation; black tea compresses can be beneficial here. For this purpose brew very strong black tea and let it cool down. Then soak the cloths or compresses in it and place them on the neurodermatitis areas in the crook of your arm and leave them for about 10-15 minutes.