Treatment of neurodermatitis of the eye

The same therapeutic principles apply to neurodermatitis of the eye as to neurodermatitis of other parts of the body: The basic care is decisive. This means that the skin must be cared for daily with a cream that matches the skin type. Not all creams on offer help all neurodermatitis sufferers comparably well, so that it may first be necessary to try out which cream is most effective for the individual.

Creams containing the active agents urea or linoleic acid are particularly suitable for basic care. Urea has moisture-binding properties and ensures a better supply of moisture to dry skin. Linoleic acid, which is found in evening primrose oil, among other things, has a repairing effect on the skin barrier that is disrupted in neurodermatitis and thus counteracts the skin’s constant loss of moisture.

Depending on how pronounced the neurodermatitis is, the basic care should be applied 1-2 times a day. There are special eyelid creams for neurodermatitis of the eye, but usually the creams that are applied to the rest of the body can also be used.In the acute phase of neurodermatitis of the eyelid, a cortisone ointment is usually unavoidable. Here it is important that in the case of neurodermatitis in the facial area, the cortisone ointments prescribed for neurodermatitis in other parts of the body should not be used, as the facial skin is thinner and more sensitive.

Low-dose cortisone creams, for example with a content of 0.25%, should therefore be used here. Outside the acute phase, creams with ingredients that have a positive effect on the moisture balance of dry and brittle skin are effective. Possible ingredients are urea, linoleic acid or glycerin.

In general, the drier the skin, the higher the lipid content of the cream ointment should be. In case of weeping eczema, ointments containing fat should not be used but rather thin creams or lotions. Additives like preservatives, fragrances, kerosene oil and vaseline should be avoided if possible.

As a rule, it is not necessary to use special eye creams for neurodermatitis of the eye, the “normal” base creams or ointments can be used. Examples for base creams are Linola ® Fat or Linola ® Plus skin milk, Sanacutan ® base cream, Neuroderm ® Care lotio, Neuroderm ® Care cream and Neuroderm ® Care cream Lipo. In acute phases, creams containing cortisone must usually be used.

Creams with a low cortisone content should be used, usually 0.25% creams are recommended. There are various household remedies which can have a soothing effect on neurodermatitis. Especially in the area of the eyes, however, the application is more difficult as there is a risk that components of the household remedies get into the eye and cause irritation.

The otherwise helpful table salt compresses, for example, should not be used on the eye. In case of acute itching, applying simple moist compresses to the eyelid can already have a soothing effect. For weeping eczema, black tea compresses can also be used.

For this purpose a pot of strong black tea should be boiled. After cooling down, a cotton cloth or a compress can be dipped into the brew and – with closed eyes – applied to the eye area. They can be left there for 10-15 minutes.

Immediately afterwards, the eye area should be dabbed with a little clear water again. Then the skin should be creamed with a basic care product. Various oils such as coconut oil or evening primrose oil are also said to have a positive effect on neurodermatitis. However, these oils should only be used outside the acute phase of the disease as they are especially effective for dry skin, but not for skin that is acutely weeping with eczema. Coconut oil can be bought pure, evening primrose oil is often found as an additive in various creams or ointments.