What is a neurodermatitis relapse?
Persons who have a congenital predisposition for neurodermatitis can suffer a neurodermatitis flare-up due to various triggers. A relapse is an acute worsening of the symptoms of a chronic disease. Between the relapses, the disease remains calm and does not cause any acute complaints.
The sudden occurrence of inflammatory skin changes and itching is therefore called a neurodermatitis flare. When a relapse occurs and how long the pain-free phases between two relapses are is highly variable and depends on various factors, such as the patient’s general condition or age. Often a new flare-up is triggered by certain triggers.
The triggers
Studies show that there is a genetic component for neurodermatitis. This means that children whose parents or mother or father suffer from neurodermatitis are more likely to have the disease than children of healthy parents. In addition, certain triggers can cause an acute neurodermatitis flare-up or aggravate already existing complaints.
These triggers include various external influences, such as tobacco smoke, certain fragrances, heat or mold. Pollen (grass, flower or tree pollen), animal hairs or house dust mites can also trigger a neurodermatitis surge in genetically pre-stressed people. The same applies to clothing (wool, synthetics) and a number of foods (especially foods with a high histamine content such as cheese, chocolate or wine).
In addition, internal factors such as stress or the psychological state also play a role. Stress is a reaction of the body to mental or physical exertion. Permanent stress often leads to illness and can also be the trigger for a relapse of neurodermatitis.
Stress causes the body to release more stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. This promotes inflammation and the symptoms get worse. The patients suffer from eczema, dry skin and severe itching.
The therapy of neurodermatitis also includes learning to cope with stress. Targeted relaxation techniques, such as autogenic training or yoga, can help to make the body more resistant to stress and prevent further neurodermatitis attacks. Learn here how you can reduce stress.
Although many neurodermatitis sufferers show fewer symptoms in summer, increased exposure to sunlight can also trigger a new attack. Especially a sunburn is considered a trigger, since the already irritated skin is damaged even more. To protect against a relapse, patients should avoid extensive sunbathing and ensure that they have adequate sun protection.
Sun and heat also lead to more sweating and many patients react to increased sweat production with a neurodermatitis flare. Mould is generally considered to be harmful to health and contact with mould should be avoided if possible. Studies show that mold can also trigger neurodermatitis attacks in addition to other diseases such as asthma or allergies.
Above all, mold in your own four walls is dangerous: the spores spread and get into the air where they can be inhaled. In the body, the spores can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. Mould grows well wherever there is high humidity.
The causes of mold infestation are therefore often poor insulation of the building, lack of heating or incorrect ventilation. Psychological factors have a decisive influence on the development of a neurodermatitis attack. On the one hand, psychological discomfort intensifies the complaints, on the other hand, a vicious circle is created: due to the increased symptomatology, the affected persons suffer from their appearance, have sleeping problems due to the constant itching and feel psychologically even worse.
Above all, the sleeping problems lead to a limited performance and bad mood. Also the visible inflammations on the skin lead to the fact that many neurodermatitis sufferers feel stigmatized and feel an enormous psychological pressure of suffering. Adequate treatment by a dermatologist can help to break this circle and alleviate the symptoms.
All articles in this series:
