Treatment of Neurodermatitis | Atopic Dermatitis at Dermacare Vienna

What is neurodermatitis? Cause, symptoms, treatment

Neurodermatitis, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a non-infectious inflammatory skin disease that occurs chronically or in chronically recurring relapsing courses.

The majority of those affected complain of itching of the inflamed skin areas as well as the appearance of the inflamed skin areas, which is often associated with the appearance of weeping eczema in acute episodes, can be a burden.

Cause of neurodermatitis

The exact cause for neurodermatitis is so far unknown, apparently several factors play a role in the development of the diseases, so the predisposition to neurodermatitis is in the genome. Neurodermatitis is triggered by the so-called triggers, which can be textiles (such as wool), infections (such as severe colds, flu, etc.), certain foods, sultry temperatures or cold, as well as psychological factors (such as stress), etc.

Neurodermatitis patients suffer from a disruption of the skin’s barrier function. As with an allergy, an overreaction of the immune system occurs. Therefore neurodermatitis is also called atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis, with the term atopy, the tendency to allergies and hypersensitivity is recorded.

About 80 percent of all neurodermatitis patients show the extrinsic form of the disease: Their immune system reacts sensitively to allergenic substances (allergens) such as pollen or certain foods, which leads to the release of pro-inflammatory substances that cause the eczema on the skin of neurodermatitis patients. Some of those affected also show typical symptoms of an allergy.

Symptoms of neurodermatitis

The typical skin changes in the course of neurodermatitis are dry, itchy skin areas which can develop into weeping eczema in the acute stage. Since neurodermatitis always begins with dry, itchy skin, special attention is paid to skin care in neurodermatitis patients. At the same time, it is recommended to recognize and avoid the factors (triggers) that promote neurodermatitis.

In the affected areas, the skin is dry, reddened and easily irritated, which causes the agonizing itching that plagues many patients, especially at night. Since scratching further strains the condition of the skin and promotes skin infections, not scratching is a major challenge for many people affected, especially for young patients.

Neurodermatitis often occurs in infancy, where the head and the extensor sides of the arms and legs are most frequently affected. In many cases, however, neurodermatitis recedes completely during puberty.

In adults, neurodermatitis often takes a more severe course than in children. In general, certain skin areas are preferentially affected in adolescents and young adults, including the eye and forehead area as well as the region around the mouth, neck, upper chest and shoulder girdle, crook of the arm, hollow of the knee, wrists and back of the hand. Itchy eczema can also form on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Treatment of neurodermatitis at Dermacare Vienna

For the treatment of neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis), a variety of treatment options are available, depending on the course and severity of the disease. In the case of a mild course of neurodermatitis, efficient local therapies are usually applied, while in the case of moderate to severe forms of neurodermatitis, usually a systemic therapy with medication is necessary.

Everything at a glance

• What do the dermatologists at Dermacare offer?  
  • Diagnosis and therapy according to current guidelines.
  • Efficient local therapy for mild neurodermatitis;
  • Systemic therapy (medication) for severe forms
• How long does the initial examination take? The initial consultation lasts 30 minutes (45 minutes for children), after that depending on the doctor’s assessment.
• Does the health insurance company/private health insurance replace the costs: Yes
• Treatment interval: 4 to 12 weeks, depending on severity and course

Why should you seek treatment at Dermacare?

• The treatment is performed by experienced specialists
• Latest medical devices are used
• Good public connection (Schwedenplatz) or parking garage for the car in the house
• Long opening hours