Neurodermatitis is the most common chronic disease in children. Estimates suggest that it affects up to 20 percent of children and 10 percent of adults in industrialized countries.
Psychological problems – cause or consequence of neurodermatitis.
Because of its diverse and complex tasks, the skin is not only the largest, but also the most important organ of the human being, next to the brain. The appearance of the skin is of great importance for a person’s well-being – disorders of the skin’s appearance can therefore significantly affect a person.
The term “neurodermatitis” is derived from the Greek (from neuron = nerve, derma = skin and the ending -itis for inflammation). However, neurodermatitis is not a disease of the psyche, but a largely inherited tendency. Thus, it is not the skin disease itself that is inherited, but its predisposition to it.
Experts assume that psychological factors and environmental influences provoke the outbreak of the disease. External factors are allergens, climate and nutrition. The psyche plays a decisive role in the occurrence and course: thus, the psychological condition can improve or worsen neurodermatitis.
Feeling comfortable “in one’s skin”
The chronic skin disease in itself represents a heavy burden for a neurodermatitis sufferer. In addition, in the course of this chronic disease, those affected also change in their behavior. A vicious circle develops: inflamed skin areas and self-inflicted scratch wounds make neurodermatitis sufferers feel unattractive, which in turn affects the personality of the person affected.
When people turn away out of fear of a supposed infection, the self-confidence of the affected person is also “scratched” – they gradually withdraw and thus become an outsider. Neurodermatitis sufferers therefore feel – in the truest sense of the word – uncomfortable in their skin. By the way: in an evaluation of the influences on the course of the disease, the psyche is in second place.
Why does the skin react so violently to psychological problems?
This is related to our evolutionary history, because the skin develops from the same germinal sheet as the brain and nervous system. It also represents the boundary and the connection to our environment. Particularly in the first phase of life, the mother is therefore of special importance, because in early infancy, physical contact is just as important as food.
If physical contact is missing, children can become ill or even die, for example orphans who grow up in an environment with very little contact. In the psychological development of humans, this phase is crucial for their later personality development.
Therapy: the patient must cooperate
In many sufferers, the disease is aggravated under stress, emotional strain, or anxiety. The sometimes unbearable itching and inflamed skin areas can lead to restlessness, insomnia, poor concentration, mood swings and irritability. The interaction between the psyche and the immune system worsens the neurodermatitis – the vicious circle begins anew. Since it is known today that neurodermatitis can be aggravated by psychological stress situations, any good therapy concept must also address the psychosomatic factors.
With the help of relaxation therapies such as Tai Chi, autogenic training or muscle relaxation according to Jacobson, those affected learn to reduce tension and improve their self-esteem.
The so-called “scratch diary” is also helpful. In this diary, for example, it is noted when the itching occurs and what the triggering factors are. This makes it easier to distinguish between psychological and allergic influences. In special psychotherapies, neurodermatitis sufferers learn to perceive the psychological pressure, consciously deal with it or even avoid it, and thus break the vicious circle – itching, scratching, renewed itching.
