What is atopic dermatitis and what symptoms can you recognize?
Anna Tersteeg: Neurodermatitis or atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that occurs in episodes. It is caused by barrier damage to the skin, which is associated with a lack of lipids (fats) and moisture as well as an increased pH value. Alongside allergic asthma and hay fever, atopic dermatitis is part of the atopic spectrum. The term "atopy" comes from the Greek and means "in the wrong place" and describes the tendency of the skin or mucous membranes to react to stimuli with increased sensitivity.
What can worsen the skin condition with atopic dermatitis?
Anna Tersteeg: The list of possible influencing factors is long and consists of both endogenous factors, i.e. factors that come from within, and exogenous factors, which come from outside. However, the exogenous factors in particular can be easily influenced so that a worsening of the skin condition can be prevented. For example, mechanical stimuli such as shaving or a coarse woolen sweater can lead to barrier damage by putting a lot of stress on the skin surface, resulting in flaking and redness. The change between extreme temperatures, such as the cold outside temperature and the warm, dry heating air inside, also puts a strain on the skin. The skin should therefore be adequately protected, especially in the cold months. In addition, care should be taken to ensure sufficient hydration to replenish the skin's moisture reserves from the inside.
Severe itching is typical of this skin condition. Can this discomfort be alleviated?
Anna Tersteeg: In many cases, itching is caused by damage to the skin barrier, which is associated with a lack of moisture and lipids. However, this can be alleviated with itch-relieving care. Substances with a local anaesthetic effect, such as polidocanol, are particularly effective here as part of a skin care cream that simultaneously cools and moisturizes the skin. The antipruritic effect then lasts for several hours, helping to improve the quality of life of those affected. These care products should primarily be used to break the itching cycle. They are not suitable for long-term use.
Why can those affected fall into a so-called vicious circle?
Anna Tersteeg: The itching triggered by the dry, barrier-damaged skin often causes those affected to scratch. In many cases, this happens at night and therefore very unconsciously.
Scratching with the fingers causes bacteria to enter the skin. The already damaged skin barrier allows these bacteria to penetrate unhindered and often cause inflammation or infections, which lead to an eczema flare-up and thus to a worsening of the skin condition. The skin then becomes particularly dry, reddened and sensitive. The uncomfortable feeling in the skin then causes those affected to scratch again, making it very difficult to break this vicious circle.
Frequent contact with water has a negative effect on skin prone to atopic dermatitis. So what should you bear in mind when cleansing?
Anna Tersteeg: Frequent contact with water dries out the skin and increases the pH value of the skin surface. Mild, soap-free cleansing products are therefore particularly suitable for the body. These have a moisturizing effect, strengthen the protective acid mantle and soothe irritated skin. The skin should only be gently patted dry afterwards so as not to irritate it further.
A mild foam is suitable for cleansing sensitive facial skin. This balances the skin and optimizes the skin's resistance. Plant extracts are effective against redness.
Alternatively, a moisturizing cleansing milk is recommended. It supports the regeneration of the hydrolipidic film, increases the suppleness of the skin and moisturizes.
The cleansing of the face should always be concluded with a hydrating toner. Active ingredients such as witch hazel or panthenol soothe irritated skin. At the same time, the pH value of the skin's surface is regulated and the protective acid mantle is strengthened.
How important is skin care during treatment?
Anna Tersteeg: Skin care can be seen as the basis of treatment for neurodermatitis. The right cleansing and care tailored to the skin type can lead to stabilization of the skin's appearance and should therefore be an integral part of any atopic dermatitis treatment.
The aim of care is to balance the moisture depots, supply the skin with lipids, set a healthy pH value and thus strengthen the skin's barrier. In addition, dry flakes can be smoothed, the skin soothed and its resistance increased.
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