Neurodermatitis in babies

Neurodermatitis, also known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often appears with the first symptoms in infancy. In Germany, 10-15% of all children are affected by neurodermatitis. This makes it one of the most common chronic skin diseases in childhood. In babies with neurodermatitis, the skin's natural barrier is damaged, which means it dries out much more quickly and causes unpleasant itching and discomfort.

All parents whose babies are affected by atopic dermatitis know that this disease can be particularly stressful, not only for the baby itself, but also for the whole family. But here's the good news: With regular basic care and avoiding potential trigger factors, your baby's symptoms can be quickly alleviated and the symptoms often decrease on their own as the children grow up.

In this article we have summarized the most important information that you should know if your baby is affected by atopic dermatitis.

Contents:

Where does neurodermatitis come from in babies and newborns?

The exact cause of the disease, or why exactly babies develop atopic dermatitis, has not yet been fully clarified. It is assumed that it is a combination of genetic, immunological and allergological processes. The individual atopic dermatitis attacks are promoted by so-called trigger factors, which include:

Too frequent bathing as well as irritants and fragrances in care products
Food allergies and intolerances to certain foods or additives
A weakened immune system, for example due to an infection, excessive hygiene, physical exertion or stress
Environmental factors such as animal hair, certain pollen, mites or house dust as well as chemicals
Climatic triggers such as heat, cold and temperature fluctuations in general as well as very dry air
Mechanical irritations caused by tight, rubbing clothing and clothing made of synthetic fibers or wool

How can I prevent atopic dermatitis in babies?

You cannot prevent atopic dermatitis and it is important that you know that you have done nothing wrong if your baby has atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic disease, but one that is usually easy to treat. However, you can have a positive influence on the frequency of flare-ups and the severity of the disease. In all stages of atopic dermatitis, consistent daily skin care by applying cream to the entire body is beneficial, even if the skin does not appear dry. The pediatrician can advise on the selection of additional necessary measures.

How do I know if my baby has neurodermatitis?

The first symptoms of neurodermatitis in babies typically appear in the first two years of life, but usually between the 3rd and 6th month. One of the most common signs is a so-called cradle cap made up of dry, strongly adhering scales that form mainly on the scalp and on the outside of the baby's arms and legs. Later on, the hands, neck, backs of the knees, elbows and neck are also predominantly affected.

Neurodermatitis also typically manifests itself in babies with a repeated, intermittent rash, dry, sometimes scaly eczema and severe itching in the areas mentioned. This regularity also distinguishes the disease from seborrhoeic dermatitis, which goes away on its own after a few weeks or months. The symptoms and suspicion of neurodermatitis in babies should therefore always be discussed with a pediatrician in order to rule out other skin diseases and choose the right form of therapy.

The symptoms of neurodermatitis in babies can also be described as a so-called itch-scratch cycle.

boep-neurodermatitis-symptoms-itching-scratching cycle

You can also click through our skin advice guide for babies - perhaps you will find helpful answers here!

Neurodermatitis in babies: patient and attentive treatment required

If your baby suffers from atopic dermatitis, patience and attention are often crucial. Identifying factors that improve or worsen the condition requires intensive observation and care from the parents. Since atopic dermatitis progresses differently in each person, the treatment must be tailored to your baby's individual needs. Only in collaboration with a doctor can it be determined whether atopic dermatitis is actually present and what the optimal treatment plan for your baby with atopic dermatitis should look like.

At this point, we would like to recommend filling out an atopic dermatitis observation form or a symptom diary. This can be a great help for you in a future treatment plan. This form makes it possible to identify the relevant triggers for the worsening of your child's atopic dermatitis. Please take a look at our template .

You can always fill out this template online or print it out. Then it's best to laminate it and fill it out again every day with a transparency pen. Of course, take a photo of it beforehand and collect it in a photo album on your phone - saves paper and is sustainable :)

Did you know that around one in three children with atopic dermatitis also has a food allergy? Expert nutritional advice can help identify the triggers and replace them with suitable foods.

What to do about neurodermatitis – our care tips

Neurodermatitis in babies cannot be cured per se. However, itching and rashes in little ones can be significantly alleviated by regular skin care and avoiding potential trigger factors:

1. Correct ingredients :

If your baby is suffering from atopic dermatitis, you should avoid ingredients that can have a negative effect on the rash and further irritate the skin. This can include conventional soaps, shampoos and bath additives that contain fragrances or very aggressive surfactants. Instead, choose care products with hypoallergenic ingredients.

2. Regular basic care:

When you have neurodermatitis, your skin needs one thing above all else: moisture! That's why daily skin care with a moisturizing base cream is particularly important, especially after showering or bathing. Regular use can improve the natural barrier of delicate baby skin.

3. Avoid trigger factors:

General avoidance of mechanical irritations (e.g. from irritating clothing) and allergens (e.g. perfume, dyes), chlorinated water, frequent showering or bathing and special consideration of climatic factors such as heat, cold or dry air.

4. Cortisone ointments for acute attacks:

In acute neurodermatitis attacks, the use of glucocorticoids (cortisone) or calcineurin inhibitors (e.g. tacrolimus) may also be necessary in babies. However, the treatment should always be discussed with the treating pediatrician. The better your baby responds to the basic cream, the fewer cortisone-containing ointments are usually necessary and the frequency of attacks can be reduced.

5. Sun protection :

Adequate sun protection is essential. It is best to avoid direct sun exposure, especially in the first few months. After that, we recommend usingmineral sunscreens , as these act as a protective shield on your skin and are generally considered to be well tolerated by the skin.

6.Skin-friendly clothing :

Clothes made of cotton or linen are better for your baby's sensitive skin because they are gentler on the skin and cause less irritation than polyester fabrics, for example. You should wash new clothes before wearing them for the first time - or you can look for second-hand clothes, which can be particularly useful for baby clothes.

Reducing the burden of neurodermatitis on babies and parents

Neurodermatitis in babies is a particular challenge and puts a strain on both the child and the entire family. We have put together a few tips for you on how to counteract this:

Sleep problems in babies with atopic dermatitis :

Infants often have trouble sleeping due to nighttime scratching and are more restless during the day.
Parents should make clear agreements about who will care for the baby at night so that each partner can sleep through the night at least once a week.

Reactions from outsiders :

Outsiders often talk to parents about the visible injuries caused by atopic dermatitis and give unsolicited advice.
Parents should learn to react calmly and firmly and, if necessary, point out that the child is already receiving treatment.

Search for qualified medical personnel :

Parents invest a lot of energy in finding an experienced doctor or alternative practitioner.
It is important to find qualified contacts who both the parents and the child trust.

So: Through targeted measures and the right support, the stress on children and parents with atopic dermatitis can be significantly reduced. Please feel free to share your feedback with us so that we can share it with other affected parents!

How long does atopic dermatitis last in babies?

The question often arises as to whether neurodermatitis in babies disappears again and when it will go away again. However, there is no clear answer to this, as it is a very individual disease.

However, it has been found that the symptoms and complaints often subside during childhood or can even disappear completely by the time puberty begins. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, only half of the children who are affected in their first year of life are still affected by atopic dermatitis after three years. That gives us hope!

However, it also shows that those affected are more likely to develop hypersensitivity and allergies, such as hay fever or allergic asthma.

If you have any questions about neurodermatitis, please feel free to contact us at any time. By the way, we also have a med channel on WhatsApp where we share tips and reports on neurodermatitis, among other things. Become a part of the med community at: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaispZa4yltK4nCj4n0Z