Introduction
Neurodermatitis in the crook of the arm, also known as atopic eczema, is a skin disease. It is characterized by the recurring occurrence of very itchy, sometimes weeping eczema foci in the area of the crook of the arm and a permanently dry, rather rough skin. The disease occurs most frequently in children under 5 years of age.
Causes for the occurrence of neurodermatitis in the crook of the arm
A combination of different factors is responsible for the occurrence of neurodermatitis in the crook of the arm. On the one hand, a hereditary predisposition plays a role: children of parents who themselves suffer from neurodermatitis or who suffered from it in childhood have an increased risk of also developing neurodermatitis. Not infrequently, there are also other illnesses such as hay fever or asthma in the area of the crook of the arm in addition to neurodermatitis symptoms; these are referred to as atopic diseases.
In some children, neurodermatitis, which often appears in the area of the crook of the arm, is caused by allergies to certain foods. These include cow’s milk, fish, soy, eggs, nuts or wheat. Other allergies, for example to animal hair or house dust mites, also increase the risk of developing neurodermatitis.
If neurodermatitis already exists, its occurrence can be triggered by certain factors. For example by allergen contact, skin contact with wool fibers, drying of the skin and sweating. In addition, various foods can cause neurodermatitis in the crook of the arm to bloom.
These include tomatoes and strawberries. Shower and washing products can also trigger a neurodermatitis attack. It is not for nothing that atopic eczema is also called neurodermatitis.
Although psychological factors are not the cause of the disease, they can trigger the occurrence of acute neurodermatitis attacks in the crook of the arm. Psychological stress in particular is regarded as one of the possible triggers of an acute attack. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms are not yet understood. What are further consequences of stress? Our next article might be interesting for you: Consequences of Stress
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