Neurodermatitis, also known as atopic eczema (Greek ατοπία, atopía - 'placelessness', 'not to be assigned'; Greek έκζεμα, ekzema - 'puffed up') is a chronic, non-infectious skin disease which belongs to the atopic diseases.
Other common names, atopic dermatitis and endogenous eczema. The disease is also known as chronic constitutional eczema, asthma eczema and Prurigo Besnier. The term neurodermatitis dates back to the 19th century, as it was once thought that the cause of the skin disease was an inflammation of the nerves. This view has since been disproved, but the term is still the best known.
The main symptoms are red, scaly, sometimes weeping eczema on the skin and severe itching. The disease progresses intermittently and has an individual appearance depending on age.
Neurodermatitis is not considered curable, but is treatable. The therapy mainly consists of the treatment of the characteristic dryness of the skin and the external application of anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, Tepso® textiles with low friction are an ideal supplement.
Epidemiology
Neurodermatitis is a widespread disease in industrial countries. 5-20 % of children and 1-3 % of adults are affected by the disease. In about 60% of those affected, the disease occurs in the first year of life, in 90% by the age of five. In some cases, the symptoms diminish with age and disappear with the onset of puberty.
Neurodermatitis or eczema is being observed more and more frequently. In comparison to the middle of the 20th century, it can be assumed that it occurs four to six times more frequently today. The reasons for this cannot be clearly determined. More frequent allergies, changed living conditions and improved hygiene (hygiene hypothesis) are discussed as possible causes.
Cause
The causes of neurodermatitis/eczema have not yet been completely clarified. Experts see an interplay of genetic factors, immunological changes and environmental influences in the complex disease process and its very individual course.
Symptoms and complaints
Sensitive skin
Itching
Susceptibility to allergies
Increased reaction to food
Irritation by clothing
Treatment
Just like the causes, the applied forms of treatment are also very diverse. Since different factors obviously play a role, parallel application should be considered and individually adapted to the needs of the patient. Not all treatment approaches have the same effect on all patients; some methods that have an alleviating effect on one patient can worsen the clinical picture in others.
The therapy of neurodermatitis depends on the course of the disease and is adapted to the severity of the symptoms. It may be necessary to recombine or modify treatment methods several times, as it may happen that the skin reacts differently than expected to a previously well accepted treatment method in the event of a new attack. It may be necessary to discontinue a treatment and replace it.
The daily basic care should stabilize the skin's barrier function in order to reduce the skin's sensitivity to irritation and penetration of allergens. Depending on the condition of the skin, ointments and lotions are usually used. Their composition depends on the current condition of the skin: Mostly oil-in-water emulsions are used, for very dry skin also water-in-oil emulsions. Oil baths are another possibility for refattening the skin. Both warm and cold wet compresses can also be used for healing and soothing.
Irradiation with high doses of UV light can also have an anti-inflammatory effect and provide relief and allow the skin to heal temporarily.
In addition, with neurodermatitis clothing made of high-quality Tepso® material, you can ensure that your treatment is optimal and fashionable clothing does not have to be taboo for you. Have a look at the many possibilities and take your pick!
