
NEURODERMATITIS
Neurodermatitis is a skin condition that falls under the category of atopic disorders. Those disorders also include hay fever, allergic asthma and food allergies. Neurodermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is also known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, and more rarely as endogenous eczema or Besnier’s prurigo.
Who can get neurodermatitis?
Neurodermatitis can occur at any age, sometimes even in infants. Certain individuals have an inherited genetic predisposition to it. Its course is always episodic, with symptom-free periods of varying duration. The condition’s extent, symptoms and degree of suffering can vary. A very mild form may hardly impair a person’s daily life, while a severe form can cause severe impairment with great suffering and an enormous amount of mental and physical stress, for example due to avoidance of social contact and sleep deficits. Typical symptoms of neurodermatitis include very dry, flaking, reddened skin and pronounced itching. Long-term atopic eczema also causes rough skin with areas of thickening (lichenification).

How does neurodermatitis manifest in children and adults?
Atopic eczema in infants
Atopic eczema in children
Atopic eczema in adults
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What are the causes of neurodermatitis?

What are the causes of neurodermatitis?
What triggers atopic eczema?
Having a genetic predisposition does not necessarily mean that a person will develop atopic eczema. However, there are various things that can trigger it. The following are examples of such trigger factors:
- Allergens: House dust mites, grass pollen, animal hair and -- in infants -- often foods as well.
- Dry skin: Dry climate conditions as well as skin-care mistakes can likewise create conditions favorable to atopic dermatitis.
- Skin-irritating materials and fabrics: Woolen fabrics, skin-irritating cosmetics or cleaning products are among the potential triggers of neurodermatitis in affected individuals and can also worsen existing cases of neurodermatitis.
- Infections: There are two ways in which infections play a significant role in neurodermatitis. An infection like a cold can jump-start atopic eczema, but it is also possible for bacteria, viruses and fungi to cause an existing case of neurodermatitis to get worse.
- Climate: Temperature fluctuations and extreme climate conditions, as well as humidity and the sweating that goes along with it, are factors that can promote the development of atopic eczema.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Atopic eczema can be triggered by hormonal adjustments within the body. During pregnancy, menstruation or menopause, an outbreak or worsening of atopic dermatitis is more likely.
- Mental health: Stress can also cause neurodermatitis to get significantly worse.
What can be done for neurodermatitis?
Avoid triggers
Basic skin care

What can be done for neurodermatitis?
Avoid triggers
Basic skin care

Drug therapy
Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors weaken the inflammatory reaction by causing the immune system’s response to become milder. This can be supported by applying tannin-containing substances, for example compresses made with black tea, externally. Systemic therapies are used in severe cases. Light and climate therapies can also bring about good responses.
Desensitization
If neurodermatitis is accompanied by an allergy, desensitization can be performed in order to weaken the immune system’s over-reaction to the allergens.
Supportive measures
There are other measures that can help make symptoms milder during an outbreak of neurodermatitis. These include therapeutic measures that treat the often excruciating itching or directly attack bacterial super-infections.
Psychological treatment and relaxation exercises
Nutrition
Drug therapy
Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors weaken the inflammatory reaction by causing the immune system’s response to become milder. This can be supported by applying tannin-containing substances, for example compresses made with black tea, externally. Systemic therapies are used in severe cases. Light and climate therapies can also bring about good responses.
Desensitization
If neurodermatitis is accompanied by an allergy, desensitization can be performed in order to weaken the immune system’s over-reaction to the allergens.
Supportive measures
There are other measures that can help make symptoms milder during an outbreak of neurodermatitis. These include therapeutic measures that treat the often excruciating itching or directly attack bacterial super-infections.
Psychological treatment and relaxation exercises
Nutrition