Introduction
Neurodermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that leads to itchy skin rashes. There are general treatment measures which can be easily implemented. For example, cold air should be avoided or excessive sweating during sports. The therapy is based on a step-by-step scheme, which divides neurodermatitis into four degrees of severity. In the first degree of severity, only general measures should be carried out, whereas in the fourth degree of severity a systemic therapy, i.e. affecting the whole body, must be carried out.
These creams can help
The skin of neurodermatitis patients is usually irritated and dry. The basic therapy includes caring creams which, depending on the active ingredient, inhibit inflammation and itching or simply moisturize the skin. In an acute episode of neurodermatitis, the skin is open and wet.
In this phase creams with a high water content should be preferred. They have a cooling effect and relieve the itching. In the chronic phase, creams with a high fat content should be used to supply the skin with sufficient moisture and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function.
Creams containing polidocanol can be used to relieve itching. Cortisone creams offer another option. However, cortisone should be used with caution, as they lead to thinning of the skin (so-called parchment skin) in long-term use.
Cortisone creams should only be used after consultation with a dermatologist. Creams with calcineurin inhibitors are also available. Calcineurin inhibitors suppress the body’s own immune system and thus reduce the body’s own inflammatory reaction.
Cortisone in the treatment of neurodermatitis
Cortisone is a popular drug for the treatment of acute neurodermatitis attacks. However, the severity of the atopic dermatitis episode varies from patient to patient, so that neurodermatitis is divided into four different stages and the appropriate cortisone preparation is administered. The first stage is a mildly pronounced neurodermatitis, for which a weakly effective cortisone is prescribed, the so-called hydrocortisone.
In the second stage, moderately effective cortisones are prescribed, such as betamethasone. In the third stage, strongly effective cortisones such as mometasone furoate are given. If the neurodermatitis is very pronounced, very strong cortisones (clobetasol propionate) are prescribed. The use of cortisone can cause many side effects and should not be taken over a long period of time. For this reason you should always consult a dermatologist.
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