What role does the psyche play?

Psychosomatic factors play an important role in neurodermatitis. Psychological stress can on the one hand worsen the clinical picture (see stress as a trigger), and on the other hand the disease itself has a considerable influence on the mental health of those affected. Neurodermatitis often leads to nocturnal itching and scratching attacks.

Over a longer period of time, these lead to sleep deficits and concentration problems. Those affected often suffer from the visible skin changes and tend to have a reduced self-esteem. Above all, the association of the disease with stress leads to scratching as a behavioral pattern in stress and conflict situations.

Cause of neurodermatitis in babies/children and adults

The cause of neurodermatitis in babies/children is no different from the cause of neurodermatitis in adults. Neurodermatitis can occur at any time, most often the disease begins in infancy. An important difference between neurodermatitis in babies and adults is the form of the skin symptoms.

Neurodermatitis in infants often begins with milk crust. Milk crust is a flat, firmly adhering, yellowish scale on the face and on the hairy head. This occurs mainly on the face but also on the outside of the arms and legs.

The skin is reddened, wet and itchy. Scaly, dry skin changes are found in the joint bends of the arms and legs as well as in body folds. Adults often have small, coin-shaped skin eczema that is very itchy.

These occur not only on the flexion sides of the extremities but also on the neck and décolleté. Hand and foot eczema (dyshidrosiform eczema) are also common in adults. These are usually the initial symptoms when neurodermatitis first appears in old age. Particularly with increasing age, chronic irritation in the area of the skin changes leads to a leather-like change in the skin with an increase in thickness and coarsening of the skin structure (lichenification).

Neurodermatitis and sun

Sun often has a positive effect on the course of neurodermatitis.UVA rays have an antibacterial effect, allowing inflammations of the skin to heal faster. In addition, itching and the immune reaction is reduced. However, the negative effects of sun exposure should not be ignored.

Particularly with neurodermatitis, the skin is more sensitive to light due to the disrupted skin barrier. Sunburn can lead to skin irritation with itching and inflammation. Sun cream should therefore be used urgently.

Care should be taken to ensure that no fragrances or colorants are present in the sun cream. In addition, sweat and heat have an irritating effect on the skin of neurodermatitis patients. Care should therefore be taken not to apply creams that are too greasy, as heat can build up on the skin.