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The face is affected by neurodermatitis, especially in babies. As the skin becomes more susceptible to allergens as a result of the neurodermatitis disease, the face is particularly affected in infancy, puberty and adulthood when the facial skin reacts to cosmetics, other care products or clothing materials, for example. The treatment of neurodermatitis of the face is possible.
In general, care should be taken that the skin, which is basically dry in affected persons, is cared for daily with moisturizing creams. Creams which additionally bind moisture (hydrophilic creams) and creams which reduce the water loss of the skin (moisturizing creams) can be used. Special care should be taken when treating neurodermatitis on the face with ointments containing cortisone, as the skin on the face is already thinner than on the rest of the body anyway and cortisone makes the skin thinner (atrophic).
Therefore, only low-acting cortisone ointments containing, for example, hydrocortisone should be used on the face. In order to treat neurodermatitis optimally, it is essential to consult a dermatologist. You can find more information on this topic at: Neurodermatitis on the face or These creams can help with neurodermatitisThe neurodermatitis on the eyes is typical mainly during puberty, but can also occur at any other age.
This is when reddened eyelids occur. The skin is very dry and can also flake. Since neurodermatitis is an inflammatory reaction of the skin, the eyelids are also often swollen due to the skin disease.
If no other areas of the skin are affected, it is essential to distinguish the eye reaction from an allergic reaction. Normally, however, there are other parts of the body, such as elbows or the back of the hand, which are also affected by neurodermatitis. The itching, which can also be found on the eyelids, is also distressing.
Especially at night, affected persons scratch their skin. Since the risk of skin infections is greatly increased, treatment is absolutely necessary. The care of the eyelids is somewhat more difficult, since it is essential to ensure that the care products do not get into the eyes and do not intensify the skin reaction.
In the acute inflammatory phase, the use of creams containing cortisone is usually unavoidable. Since the skin around the eye is very sensitive and thin, only weakly effective creams prescribed by the dermatologist should be used. The scalp is particularly affected in infants.
Neurodermatitis is also called milk crust in this case. Itchy nodules and blisters are found. The skin is mainly dry and flaky.
In the later course, other parts of the body are typically affected. In rare cases, however, the scalp may also be affected during puberty or adulthood. Here too, severe itching and reddened, dry skin may occur.
Neurodermatitis on the scalp is mainly triggered when the sensitive skin reacts to, for example, shampoos, hair dye products or the fabric of a cap. Washing the hair too often can also dry out the scalp and provoke neurodermatitis. The triggers should be avoided at all costs in order to curb further attacks.However, rashes and scaly skin on the head are all in all signs of another skin disease: psoriasis.
In order to make the correct diagnosis, a dermatologist should be consulted if rashes and dry skin on the scalp occur. As a matter of principle, shampoos that do not irritate the scalp, i.e. that do not contain perfumes or preservatives, should be used. Furthermore, shampoos that moisturize the scalp should be used, whereby products containing urea, which additionally binds water, have proven to be effective.
Neurodermatitis often occurs on the back of the hand and fingers. This is particularly noticeable when it gets cold outside and the already dry skin dries out even more. Therefore it is important to pay attention to sufficient moisture care, especially in the winter months.
In addition, certain occupational groups are particularly affected by neurodermatitis on the hands. These are mainly professions that deal with skin-irritating substances. These include hairdressers, for example, where frequent contact with water, shampoos and hair dyes can irritate the hands.
The spaces between the fingers are also often severely affected. The skin rash can then also appear on the palms of the hands. Also care and medical professions, in which disinfectants are used, are more frequently affected by neurodermatitis on the hands.
Neurodermatitis on the hands is also manifested by a red, itchy skin rash. Scratching can make the skin sore and wet. A therapy during the acute inflammation is possible, especially with cortisone creams.
Since a change of profession is often not possible or desired, in the case of mild neurodermatitis it can be tried to wear gloves when working with skin-irritating substances – as for example in the hairdressing profession. It should be ensured, however, that cotton gloves are worn under the gloves, which are often made of latex or nitrile, as the material can also trigger a skin reaction.
- Neurodermatitis of the hand.
- Neurodermatitis on fingers and fingernails
The crook of the arm is a special predilection site (site where neurodermatitis occurs particularly frequently) for atopic dermatitis.
This is where rashes occur particularly frequently in childhood, puberty and also in adulthood. The rash is red, interspersed with small nodules and usually itches severely. Especially when heat or sweat appears in the crook of the arm, the itching can increase.
In order to prevent neurodermatitis, care should be taken not to wear scratchy clothing. In acute attacks it is usually only possible to contain the inflammation with the help of a cortisone cream. Since neurodermatitis is provoked by dry skin, it is also advisable to avoid taking a shower several times a day.
After showering, skin care with moisturizing lotions suitable for sensitive and allergy-prone skin is necessary. Lotions containing urea, which additionally binds water, are particularly suitable for this purpose. If the itching is particularly severe, creams containing polidocanol can be used.
These numb the skin superficially and take away the itching. Cotton gloves can be worn at night, which prevent the skin from being scratched open with the sharp nails and thus do not increase the inflammation or delay healing. Neurodermatitis in the genital area is not frequent.
This is mainly due to the skin’s reaction to allergens, such as the wrong shower gel. Shaving the pubic hair can also provoke the outbreak of neurodermatitis. Since the use of cortisone creams in the genital area is to be taken with special care, it is essential to consult a dermatologist. Cortisone enters the body very easily in this area and can therefore cause particularly strong side effects.
