Neurodermatitis (or atopic eczema) is an inflammatory disease characterized by:
- severe itching,
- Lesions.
Atopy is the tendency to overreact upon contact with otherwise harmless substances from the environment.
Neurodermatitis is a chronic disease that is manifested by:
- Thickened
- dry,
- raised patches of skin.
Most sufferers experience deterioration from time to time, characterized by:
- red and inflamed skin,
- Formation of weeping blisters.
Atopic dermatitis affects up to 20% of children and newborns (in 90% of cases it occurs in the first 5 years of life).
Only 3% of adults suffer from atopic eczema.
It is a chronic disease that can be accompanied by one of the following diseases in 50% of cases:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Asthma
Other forms of eczema include:
- Contact dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Nummular eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Contents
Causes of atopic eczema
The causes of atopic dermatitis are unknown, but a genetic origin is assumed.
People with neurodermatitis are usually very sensitive because their skin has a deficiency of certain proteins.
A series of research led by Nick Reynolds at Newcastle University in the UK has found that a lack of filaggrin proteins can cause eczema.
People with neurodermatitis often react positively to skin allergy tests.
However, neurodermatitis is not caused by an allergy.
The following are the factors that lead to an exacerbation of symptoms in neurodermatitis:
- Allergies to:
- Pollen
- Mould
- dust mites,
- animal hair,
- Nickel
- Formaldehyde
- Food (such as: milk, crustaceans, etc.).
- cold and dry winter air;
- runny nose or seasonal flu;
- contact with irritants or chemicals;
- contact with rough fabrics, such as wool;
- dry skin;
- emotional stress;
- Pregnancy; Neurodermatitis can occur here for the first time or worsen;
- drying out the skin by rubbing after frequent bathing or showering;
- stay in the swimming pool for too long and without washing off the chlorine thoroughly;
- climate that is too warm or too cold or sudden changes in temperature.
- In the case of a beach holiday, caution should be exercised, because if the disease is in an acute phase, salt water and sun can aggravate the situation.
If the eczema is in remission, the toddler may experience an improvement during a stay at the sea. - Perfume and dye additives in soaps or lotions are harmful.
- Research shows that a psychosomatic aspect plays a role in the development of neurodermatitis.
Signs and symptoms of eczema
The signs and symptoms of eczema can vary significantly in the initial stages.
Symptoms are different in newborns than in adults.
Red skin lesions, crusts or open spots may form.
What does neurodermatitis look like?
- There are many differences in the appearance of atopic eczema between individuals.
- From time to time, most patients experience flare-ups with white spots (pityriasis alba) or red spots that are inflamed.
- Sometimes blisters develop that ooze.
- Between recurrences, the skin may appear normal or you may suffer from chronic eczema with:
- Dry
- Thickened
- itchy skin zones.
The way eczema presents and develops can change on the following grounds:
- presence of an infection or other skin disease,
- applied creams,
- age of the person,
- Complexion
- other factors.
Nevertheless, depending on the age of the person concerned, there are some areas of the body where the eczema forms.
Neurodermatitis or eczema in newborns
Infants under one year of age often have diffuse eczema. In general, the skin is:
- dry
- cracked,
- red with small cuts caused by the child’s nails.
- Often the cheeks in infants are the first places affected by eczema. After that, the rash forms on the forehead, chin and around the ears
- Usually, the area is left out because of the moisture retention of the diaper.
However, just like other children, irritating dermatitis of the anal and perianal zone (diaper rash) can develop if wet and soiled diapers remain in contact with the skin for too long. - Eczema in this age group often affects areas of the skin where the extensor muscles (extensors) of the joints are located, these are mainly:
- Elbow, where you can feel the bone.
- Knee, in front of the kneecap.
- Other parts of the newborn’s body affected by atopic dermatitis include:
- Breast
- arms (forearms),
- Neck.
Neurodermatitis or eczema in children
Young children of preschool age
1. As soon as children start walking, eczema appears more localized and compact.
Toddlers usually scratch hard at eczema, which can be very rough and annoying.
2. When the child is older (from the age of two), the pattern of infestation changes and affects almost exclusively the skin folds in the inside of the joint, for example in the hollow of the knee.
The affected skin is then often lichenified, i.e. it is dry and thickened due to:
- scratching,
- Rubbing.
3. In some children, eczema on the outside of the joints persists throughout their childhood.
School-age
children Older children are prone to eczema above the flexor muscles, which mainly affect:
- elbows,
- Back of the knee.
Other sensitive areas are:
- Neck
- scalp (especially the neck),
- Face, especially:
- Eyelids
- Corners
- Earlobe.
Acute and recurrent itchy blisters may develop on the palms, fingers, and occasionally on the feet, known as dyshidrotic or vesicular eczema.
Many children develop a “nummular” type of atopic eczema. Here, small coin-like zones appear throughout the body.
This round spotted eczema is:
- dry
- reddened
- itchy.
These spots can be confused with tinea (a fungal infection).
In principle, eczema improves during the school years and can disappear completely in adulthood, even if the barrier function of the skin may never be completely normal again. The skin may continue to be sensitive to irritation in the future.
Neurodermatitis in adolescents and adults
1. In adolescents and adults, neurodermatitis can occur in different manifestations.
2. There may be a diffuse pattern of eczema, but the skin is often drier and more lichenified than in the child.
3. In general, adults have persistent and localized eczema, limited to:
- back of the hand and foot,
- Eyelids
- hollows of the knees and elbows,
- Nipples
- Neck
- Anogenital region (especially in adolescents).
Some individuals develop lesions in all areas together.
Some also develop eczema on other parts of the body, for example:
- Flanks
- Legs.
4. Recurrent staph infections may appear. Skin lesions caused by atopic dermatitis can favor the occurrence of skin infections: the germs penetrate more easily and infect the injury.
5. Neurodermatitis is an important factor that promotes occupational contact dermatitis.
This usually affects the hands, which frequently:
- Water
- Detergents
- are exposed to solvents.
Sometimes eczema areas exist without itching.
6. Eczema tends to be dry and thickened in adults, but blisters can also develop.
Diagnosis of neurodermatitis
Diagnosis of eczema can be very difficult for the following reasons:
- Each child has his own symptom complex, which can be easier or more severe.
- Sometimes the condition is confused with other skin diseases, such as:
- seborrheic dermatitis of the newborn (better known as “cradle cap”),
- psoriasis (a scaly and inflammatory autoimmune disease),
- Contact dermatitis (caused by direct contact of the skin with irritating substances, metal, medicines or soaps).
- No test is available to definitively diagnose eczema.
If the doctor suspects the diagnosis of eczema, the safest method is to collect the medical history (anamnesis).
The family disposition for hay fever, allergies or asthma is an important indication.
Tests prescribed by the doctor are:
- determination of IgE antibodies,
- prick test (allergens are tested on the arm),
- Patch test (patches with the most important allergens are applied to the back).
- Neurodermatitis: treatment, nutrition and creams
- Seborrheic eczema on the scalp and face
- Seborrheic eczema: therapy, home remedies and nutrition
