Neurodermatitis

Alongside the inherited genetic predisposition, social factors are of importance, though the correlations have not been clarified yet: children from higher society classes are affected much more often. The risk for city children is significantly higher than for the rural population. This predisposition manifests more frequently in people with a higher educational level, and in women.

According to the current knowledge, breastfeeding can improve the prognosis for the child of the parents who have a family history of the disease. The newest examinations have no longer been able to prove this opinion sufficiently. Generally, there is no doubt about various positive effects of breast-feeding in the early childhood. However, a breastfeeding period over 6 months seems to be rather harmful than useful.

Cow milk can be an allergen in the first months of life. The additional or follow-on formula should be hypo allergic and as milk substitute should possibly contain no soya.

Hairy animals, especially cats and guinea pigs, are considered to run a high risk of triggering allergies. In the houses of people with allergies they should be viewed upon critically, similar as fur cover in the baby-bed. Regardless of the fact, that certain animals run a higher risk for allergies and neurodermatitis, dogs are considered rather unproblematic.

The fact that the children who grow up on the farm with many animals have a significantly lower rate of allergies and neurodermatitis is remarkable. The reason for it is probably that small children in “clinically clean” environment cannot adequately strengthen their immune system against germs etc, and therefore the body rather develops allergic reactions to harmless environmental factors.

For those with skin diseases and allergies, dust, especially house dust mites contained in it, is a massive irritator. Nevertheless, carpets and drapes must not necessarily be kept away from the living area. In the sleeping area, a carpet floor as well as plush bedside rugs is inappropriate. House dust mite in the stuffed animals can be killed if they are placed into the deep freezer for 24 hours.

There is very nice covering for mattresses nowadays, which prevent penetrating body particles, on which the mite feed. The covers and pillows should be made of washable material.

Tobacco smoking is considered to have a direct influence on allergic attacks and skin irritations. Smoking during pregnancy doubles the risk for the child to develop atopic dermatitis.

The living areas should be as dry and cool as possible, mould and warm humid climate favour development of allergies and skin eczema. A “clinically clean” environment and avoiding any type of infection in childhood rather causes a malorientation of our immune system and therefore an increased risk of allergies.

Earlier the foodstuffs were considered to play a significant role in triggering the atopic dermatitis; today medical specialists evaluate their influence with less assurance: milk, nuts, eggs, food additives and pitted fruits can cause an allergic reaction in children and should be avoided in order to double-check the reaction on an individual basis.

The skin itself is not capable of balancing out the dryness. The daily skin care with cream and ointments is a significant factor for stabilisation. The skin cleaning should be done with the help of washing substances that are possibly low degreasing and fragrance-free. Baths, also with bathing oils, irritate the skin more than a short shower with not too warm water. At least 20 minutes of daily care is a prerequisite for a healthier skin.

Vacations at the seaside or high in the mountains have proved to favour the further development of the disease. Consider it when planning your vacation.

The artificial sun in form of medical irradiations especially shortly after bathing or taking shower in the salty water. Insurance companies unfortunately no longer reimburse the costs of the photosol therapy.

When the skin is inflamed and itches badly, an external treatment with creams containing cortisone can be considered. The modern preparations have significantly fewer side effects than it used to be. After the flare up of the disease has been stopped, skin care products can be used again at once.