Neurodermatitis cream without cortisone - what you should know

Neurodermatitis, also known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases in Germany. Sufferers, often including babies and children, experience dry, irritated skin, uncomfortable itching, and inflammation.

While acute flare-ups are still often treated with corticosteroid-containing creams or ointments, more and more people are also looking for gentle alternatives without the side effect profile of corticosteroid-containing creams. Learn here why it can be beneficial to avoid corticosteroid-containing creams and which active ingredients are suitable as alternatives.

What is cortisone?

Cortisone is a medication belonging to the group of glucocorticoids. It is a synthetic form of the body's own hormone cortisol, which is produced in the adrenal cortex. Cortisol, in turn, plays a crucial role in regulating stress responses, inflammation, and metabolism in the body.

Cortisone works in various areas of the body:

• Anti-inflammatory: It reduces the activity of the immune system, thereby alleviating inflammation and swelling.
• Anti-itch: It calms the skin and relieves symptoms such as itching, e.g., in neurodermatitis or eczema.
• Immunosuppressive: Cortisone suppresses excessive immune reactions that occur in allergies or autoimmune diseases.

Cortisone can be taken systemically as tablets or injections or applied externally, also known as topically, in the form of ointments, creams, and lotions directly to the skin. The effect varies depending on the amount, dosage form, and area of application.

Why avoid cortisone?

Cortisone-containing creams have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and can quickly soothe irritated skin during acute flare-ups – for example, as part of neurodermatitis therapy. However, long-term use or a continuous overdose carries some risks:

• Skin thinning
• Dilation of small blood vessels and visible enlargement of capillaries
• Increased hair growth
• Acne-like changes in skin appearance
• Pigmentation disorders, redness, stretch marks

For these reasons, cortisone-containing creams are now only used for a limited time during acute flare-ups or as part of interval therapy for neurodermatitis.

Is there an alternative to cortisone?

Yes, for the treatment options of skin diseases such as neurodermatitis, eczema, or other inflammatory conditions, there are various approaches that can be a supplement or in some cases even a complete alternative to cortisone therapy. These also have side effects and are listed here for informational purposes only. These include:

• UV light therapy
• If necessary, administration of antihistamines
• Application of probiotics
  
• Use of cortisone-free skincare products

There is a group of "newer" creams that have been approved as so-called immunomodulators for the treatment of atopic eczema and rely on active ingredients other than cortisone. The active ingredients are called Pimecrolimus or Tacrolimus, depending on the preparation, and also have an immunosuppressive effect, meaning they suppress the excessive immune response by acting as calcineurin inhibitors. These creams also have side effects, but some of these differ from cortisone-containing creams and can therefore represent an alternative.

Ultimately, the right treatment for you depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual needs of the affected skin. Consultation with a doctor should take place before any use of medicinal creams or ointments.

What characterizes a neurodermatitis cream without cortisone?

A neurodermatitis cream without cortisone dispenses with cortisone as an active ingredient and uses either another group of active ingredients, e.g., Pimecrolimus, or completely dispenses with active pharmaceutical ingredients and is thus a pure skin care product. These creams aim at the long-term care, strengthening and regeneration of the skin and provide the skin with moisture. The most popular ingredients include urea, panthenol, evening primrose oil, omega-6 fatty acids, aloe vera, and zinc oxide.

These skin care creams are suitable for long-term and/or daily basic care - both in acute phases and for prevention in flare-up-free intervals.

The feedback from our customers shows:

99% of affected children with neurodermatitis show an improvement in skin appearance within the first few weeks with regular use of our med basic cream. In 81% of affected children, fewer neurodermatitis flare-ups occur. 81% of respondents with neurodermatitis can partially or even completely do without cortisone-containing or other immunosuppressive creams in the treatment of neurodermatitis by using our med basic cream. These results were part of a customer survey with 247 people from September 2024.

Advantages of neurodermatitis creams without cortisone

The regular use of a cortisone-free, moisturizing skin care cream can play a crucial role in the basic therapy of neurodermatitis and reduce the need for cortisone-containing creams. Why?

Long-term care: Regular and continuous therapy with a moisturizing basic cream is essential in all stages of neurodermatitis therapy. If the skin barrier is strengthened, the need for immunosuppressive creams can generally be reduced.

Fewer side effects: If you reduce the use of cortisone-containing creams, you naturally also reduce the possible side effects of these preparations.

Strengthening the skin barrier: Moisturizing creams promote the regeneration of damaged skin and make it more resistant to irritants.

Suitable for babies and pregnant women: Especially the very sensitive skin of babies and children should only be treated with cortisone on medical advice - moisturizing skin care creams are to be preferred depending on the stage. For pregnant women, creams without cortisone are often the better alternative.