Important ingredients for creams
Since cortisone should not be used permanently and can lead to so-called “parchment skin”, i.e. very thinned skin, it is important to have basic care products. In any case, it is advisable to use a urea-containing care product. Depending on the skin type, a moisturizing or refatting cream may be the right choice.
You should ask a dermatologist or professional beautician and try different products to find the right skin care. As a matter of principle, moisturizing creams should be used in relapse-free phases for dry or even flaky skin. Lotions and gels on the other hand are water-based and cool well on itchy and inflamed skin.
They are suitable in acute phases and are absorbed quickly compared to oily creams. Zinc shaking mixtures can also be used here, which are also suitable for neurodermatitis attacks. Cortisone is a hormone that is also produced in the human body by the adrenal gland and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
In the case of atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis), the amount of cortisone in the body may not be sufficient to achieve sufficient improvement. Therefore it may be useful to apply cortisone externally to improve the inflammatory reaction of the skin. This not only relieves the symptoms of an acute attack but can also help prevent the onset of a new attack.
Although cortisone is powerful and effective, it should not be used for long periods of time as it can also cause severe side effects. Therefore, only the weakly effective creams are available without a prescription. In most cases, however, this is already sufficient.
Side effects of very high doses can be: certain eye diseases (cataract and glaucoma) osteoporosis thin skin (so-called “parchment skin”) weak immune system increased blood sugar Cushing’s syndrome (bull neck, full moon face, trunk obesity) or the typical symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome psychological changes (euphoria, restlessness, sleep disorder, aggressiveness or depressive mood)
- Certain eye diseases (cataract and glaucoma)
- Osteoporosis
- Thin skin (so-called “parchment skin”)
- Weak immune system
- Blood glucose elevation
- Cushing’s syndrome (bull neck, full moon face, trunk obesity) or the typical symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
- Psychological changes (euphoria, restlessness, sleep disorder, aggressiveness or depressive mood)
In the case of neurodermatitis, the skin is usually rather dry and flaky. The lack of fluid in the skin and the fragile protective barrier can cause itching and a burning sensation. There is usually too little urea in the affected areas.
This is a natural substance that occurs in the skin to bind water. Urea is contained in most skin care products, and the proportion should be around 5% for normal skin without relapse. For very dry skin, creams with 10-30% urea can also be used.
If the skin appearance improves, the itching often stops. In case of itching, either tablets or gels can be used. First and foremost, one tries to combat itching with antihistamines.
Alternatively, gels with cortisone or antihistamines can be used. Since gels are water-based, they also have a cooling effect, which can further alleviate the symptoms. There is also the active ingredient polidocanol for external application on the skin.
This is a local anesthetic that can very reliably eliminate itching. Kerosene and other mineral oils are highly criticized and are considered unfriendly to the skin. Although the skin appearance initially improves when using skin care products containing kerosene and co., the skin barrier only rebuilds more slowly and in the long run the products do not help well.However, kerosenes are inexpensive for manufacturers and can be processed well. However, there are numerous creams without these additives and the trend is increasing. The majority of the products listed above are also paraffin-free.
