Introduction
Both neurodermatitis and psoriasis are chronic inflammatory skin diseases that are accompanied by reddening and scaling of the skin. However, there are important differences in the development of the diseases and in their form of manifestation, which make different treatment necessary. An exact differentiation of the two diseases is therefore very important but not always easy.
What is neurodermatitis?
Neurodermatitis, also called atopic dermatitis, is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. It usually occurs in childhood and improves in the course of the disease, but can persist into adulthood or even appear for the first time in old age. Neurodermatitis is often associated with other atopic diseases (e.g. bronchial asthma).
Neurodermatitis is characterized by severe itching and dry skin. In childhood, the skin changes are mainly found in the area of the face (milk crust) and on the extensor side of the extremities. In children and adults, the itchy skin eczema occurs mainly in the joint bends of the extremities.
Adults also frequently have eczema on the hands and feet with a marked change in the skin structure caused by chronic skin irritation (lichenification). The cause of neurodermatitis has not yet been clarified. It is assumed that genetic and immunological factors interact.
Genetic defects can lead to a disturbed skin barrier. Allergens can thus penetrate the skin more easily. This leads to an inflammatory reaction and skin irritation. Common allergens that trigger neurodermatitis are the following environmental and food allergens: In addition, so-called trigger factors play an important role in triggering a neurodermatitis flare:
- 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)
