Neurodermatitis in the baby
Neurodermatitis often appears for the first time between the third and sixth month of life. 60% of the diseases manifest themselves within the first year of life. In babies, neurodermatitis begins as a so-called milk crust.
The name comes from the fact that the skin areas have a similarity to burnt milk. Itchy nodules, blisters, crusts and scales appear. The rash is mainly on the face, on the head and the extensor sides of the arms and legs.This is in particular contrast to the older patients, in whom the flexor sides of the arms and legs are particularly affected.
In some cases, other skin areas on the trunk are also affected. In babies, the diaper region is usually not affected by the rash. The babies’ skin should definitely be treated, as there is an increased risk of bacterial skin diseases on the affected skin areas. To prevent neurodermatitis in babies, they should be breastfed for four to six months. Feeding the baby with hypoallergenic infant formula is also recommended.
The diagnosis
There are several different criteria for the diagnosis. The leading symptoms, i.e. the most important and most frequent symptoms, are dry skin and severe itching. Among the main criteria are Also the anamnesis (medical history), i.e. asking the patient about his health, his environment, etc.
etc. , should be conscientiously collected. Here, many indications of the development can be found.
Blood tests are checked for the amount of immunoglobulins, especially of the IgE type. However, IgE can also be elevated in allergies. An increase therefore does not provide evidence for the existence of neurodermatitis.
- Itching
- Dry skin
- Typical appearance (eczema, coarsening of the field skin, nodules)
- Typical localization (child: face, outer sides of arms and legs; adolescent: bending of elbows, knees)
- Occurrence of neurodermatitis in the family or already with the patient
- Chronic and/or repeated course
