Trigger alert! These are the most common neurodermatitis triggers

Neurodermatitis, also known as atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that afflicts sufferers with recurring, intense itching. Targeted avoidance of so-called trigger factors can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of these flare-ups. But what are classic trigger factors for neurodermatitis?

1. Allergens & Diet

Many people with neurodermatitis are sensitive to certain allergens. These include, for example, plant pollen, which affects sufferers particularly in the spring and summer months when trees and meadows are blooming. Pet hair is also often problematic for neurodermatitis and can promote a neurodermatitis flare-up. The same applies to food. Although rarely the sole cause of neurodermatitis flare-ups, some foods, such as nuts or citrus fruits, can noticeably worsen symptoms in affected individuals.

If you are already aware of certain allergens, we recommend consistently avoiding them. Otherwise, an allergy test or comprehensive nutritional counseling can be helpful in identifying potential triggers.

2. Climate & Temperature Fluctuations

Climate change and extreme temperatures can be a major 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 primarily the combination of dry heating air and low temperatures that severely stresses sensitive neurodermatitis skin. The transition between cold outdoors and warmth indoors can also further irritate the skin.

Regular, adapted skin care and wearing loose, breathable clothing can help protect the skin from the challenges of heat, cold, and temperature fluctuations.

3. Environmental Irritants & Pollutants

Other trigger factors for neurodermatitis include environmental irritants such as exhaust fumes, fine dust, cigarette smoke (including passive smoking), as well as chemical pollutants and mold indoors. These irritants not only stress the skin but also weaken the immune system, which can negatively affect the frequency and intensity of flare-ups.

Environmental irritants are only controllable to a limited extent. Nevertheless, good ventilation of living spaces and avoiding cigarette smoke in the environment of the affected person can help to minimize these triggers at least partially.

4. Infections & Vaccinations

A flu or a severe cold can also lead to a worsening of symptoms in neurodermatitis. This is because viruses, bacteria, and fungi trigger a kind of immune response in the body, to which neurodermatitis patients often react with skin rashes and increased itching. Vaccinations, which temporarily activate the immune system, can also promote a flare-up or lead to a worsening of symptoms in some neurodermatitis patients.

It is therefore very important to allow your body sufficient rest and time to recover during a flu or severe cold to support the immune system.

5. Skin-Irritating Clothing

Certain materials in clothing can also irritate sensitive neurodermatitis skin and intensify itching. Particularly problematic are textiles made of wool, which are often scratchy, and synthetic fibers, which do not allow the skin to breathe sufficiently.

Generally: Clothing should be loose-fitting and have no abrasive seams to avoid unnecessarily intensifying the itching. Instead of wool clothing and synthetic materials, cotton is often the better alternative. If you still don't want to give up your cotton sweater, you can simply wear a thin cotton shirt underneath to protect the skin.

6. Excessive Cleansing & Incorrect Skincare

Too frequent washing, showering, or bathing can weaken the skin's natural protective barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation. In particular, hot water and prolonged bathing dehydrate 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 promote neurodermatitis flare-ups.

Regular, moisturizing basic care, such as with med Basiscreme from das boep, supports the skin's natural protection, moisturizes it, and can thus reduce the risk of a neurodermatitis flare-up. pH-neutral, lipid-replenishing soaps are also 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, enormously intensify the symptoms. Noise and hectic environments can also influence well-being. And even if it doesn't seem so, children can also experience stress, for example, due to excitement before the first day of school or similar, major changes in everyday life, or parental pressure to perform.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and regular rest periods can help to lower stress levels in general.

SOURCES:

PD. Dr. Esther von Stebut: Triggerfaktoren bei Neurodermitis, Unimedizin Mainz, 04/2006, available at https://www.unimedizin-mainz.de/fileadmin/kliniken/haut/Dokumente/Triggerfaktoren.pdf