Neurodermatitis, also known as atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis, is a skin disease that causes those affected to experience bouts of severe itching. Targeted avoidance of the so-called trigger factors can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of these attacks. But what are the classic trigger factors for neurodermatitis?
1. Allergens & Nutrition
Many people with atopic dermatitis react sensitively to certain allergens. These include, for example, plant pollen , which affects sufferers especially in the spring and summer months when trees and meadows are in bloom. Pet hair is also often problematic in cases of atopic dermatitis and can encourage a flare-up of atopic dermatitis. The same applies to food . Although they are rarely the sole trigger for atopic dermatitis flare-ups, some foods, such as nuts or citrus fruits, can noticeably worsen the symptoms of those affected.
If you are already aware of certain allergens, we recommend that you avoid them consistently. Otherwise, an allergy test or comprehensive nutritional advice can be helpful in identifying possible triggers.
2. Climate & temperature fluctuations
Climate changes and extreme temperatures can be a big challenge for people with neurodermatitis. Frequent sweating due to summer heat irritates the skin and can lead to increased itching and inflammation. In winter, it is mainly the combination of dry heating air and low temperatures that puts a lot of strain on sensitive neurodermatitis skin. The change between cold outside and warmth inside can also irritate the skin.
Regular, appropriate skin care and wearing loose, breathable clothing can help protect the skin from the challenges posed by heat, cold and temperature fluctuations.
3. Environmental stimuli & pollutants
Other trigger factors for neurodermatitis are environmental irritants such as exhaust fumes, fine dust, cigarette smoke (including passive smoking), chemical pollutants and mold in indoor spaces. These irritants not only put a strain on the skin, but also weaken the immune system, which can negatively affect the frequency and intensity of flare-ups.
Environmental stimuli can only be controlled to a limited extent. Nevertheless, good ventilation of living spaces and avoiding cigarette smoke in the affected person's environment can help to at least partially minimize these triggers.
4. Infections & Vaccinations
Flu or a bad cold can also lead to a worsening of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. This is because viruses, bacteria and fungi trigger a kind of defensive reaction in the body, to which atopic dermatitis patients often react with a skin rash and increased itching. Vaccinations , which temporarily activate the immune system, can also encourage a flare-up in some atopic dermatitis patients or lead to a worsening of the symptoms.
It is therefore very important that you give your body enough rest and time to recover if you have the flu or a bad cold in order to support your immune system.
5. Skin-irritating clothing
Certain materials in clothing can also irritate sensitive neurodermatitis skin and increase itching. Textiles made of wool , which are often scratchy, and synthetic fibers , which do not allow the skin to breathe sufficiently, are particularly problematic.
In general, clothing should be loose-fitting and not have any chafing seams so as not to increase the itching unnecessarily. Cotton is often a better alternative to wool clothing and synthetic materials. If you still don't want to do without your cotton sweater, you can simply wear a thin cotton shirt underneath to protect your skin.
6. Excessive cleansing & incorrect skin care
Washing, showering or bathing too often can weaken the skin's natural protective barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation. Hot water and long baths in particular remove moisture from the skin, causing it to dry out and lose its elasticity. Unsuitable cosmetic and care products that contain fragrances or preservatives can also irritate sensitive skin and encourage flare-ups of neurodermatitis.
Regular, moisturizing basic care supports the skin's natural protection, supplies it with moisture and can thus reduce the risk of a neurodermatitis flare-up. pH-neutral, moisturizing soaps are often the better choice to maintain the skin's natural protection instead of damaging it with aggressive ingredients.
7. Psyche & Stress
Psychological factors also play a large, often underestimated role in neurodermatitis. Psychological stress, grief and inner restlessness, for example, greatly intensify the symptoms. Noise and hectic environments can also have an impact on well-being. And even if it doesn't seem so, children can also feel stress, for example due to excitement before the first day of school or similar, major changes in everyday life or pressure from parents to perform.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises and regular rest periods can help reduce general stress levels.
OUR EXPERT
Dr. med Michaela Hagemann I boep founder, doctor & mother of three
SOURCES:
PD. Dr. Esther von Stebut : Trigger factors in neurodermatitis, Unimedizin Mainz, 04/2006, available at https://www.unimedizin-mainz.de/fileadmin/kliniken/haut/Dokumente/Triggerfaktoren.pdf
