Neurodermatitis is not only a challenge for affected children, but also affects the life of the entire family. The chronic skin disease , which occurs primarily in childhood, can lead to painful itching and is often associated with an increased tendency to other allergic diseases. We explain whether and how the quality of life of affected children and their families can be improved despite the disease.
Neurodermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that occurs in bouts and is accompanied by severe itching, although it is not contagious . Despite the fact that this disease cannot be cured, many sufferers, especially infants, show a significant improvement in symptoms as early as infancy or a reduction in symptoms by puberty. However, those affected remain at an increased risk of allergies and hypersensitivity for life. Neurodermatitis is characterized by clearly visible symptoms such as redness, eczema, weeping wounds and swelling on the affected areas of skin, which are a burden not only for those affected but also for those around them.
Neurodermatitis in Babies: The 3 Most Common Causes
The following are the three most common triggers that can lead to neurodermatitis in children and infants.
Individual triggers: The disease is characterized by a relapsing course in which, after days, weeks or months of almost symptom-free periods, a sharp increase in symptoms suddenly sets in. Such relapses are often triggered by specific triggers , such as house dust or emotional stress, which can vary from individual to individual, although the disease does not disappear even in symptom-free phases.
Genetic predisposition: A congenital predisposition plays a significant role. The risk of developing atopic dermatitis is between 20 and 40 percent in children with one affected parent. If both parents are affected, this risk increases to 60 to 80 percent.
Environmental and stress factors: In addition to genetic predisposition, environmental factors, physical stress, infections, allergens (such as food, pollen, house dust, animal hair) and emotional events , such as the upcoming start of school, contribute to the development of neurodermatitis.
Early detection in babies: First signs of neurodermatitis
Early detection of atopic dermatitis in babies is crucial in order to be able to start appropriate care and treatment in good time. These signs may indicate atopic dermatitis in babies:
- Family history: There is a significantly increased risk of atopic dermatitis in babies if parents or siblings have already suffered from this skin disease.
- Persistent scratching and itching: One of the first and most noticeable signs of atopic dermatitis is frequent scratching and itchy skin in babies. This behavior can be an indication that the child is suffering from skin irritations that go beyond normal dryness .
- Chronic eczema: Neurodermatitis is characterized by recurring eczema, which manifests itself as red, inflamed and sometimes weeping areas of skin. These can recur over weeks or months and are a clear indication of the disease.
- Other influencing factors: emotional stress, extreme cold or heat, after-effects of vaccinations, frequent sweating, materials such as wool or synthetic fibers, food intolerances and use of chemical detergents or creams
Neurodermatitis in Babies: Symptoms and Course
One of the first symptoms of atopic dermatitis in babies is often cradle cap , which appears on the face and on the outside of the arms and legs. The cheeks in particular are affected by weeping redness that can flake heavily.
In younger children, symptoms often appear in the crooks of the arms and legs and on the chest. The skin in these areas is red, wet and covered with scaly crusts . Very itchy and scaly eczema is a characteristic sign, which in infants is particularly noticeable on the face, ears and head. In toddlers, the crooks of the joints, neck and hands are particularly affected.
In acute phases, eczema can spread across the entire skin. Scratching also carries the risk of bacteria and viruses penetrating the damaged skin and causing infections. It is important to note that not every skin irritation in babies indicates atopic dermatitis.
During the first few years of life, the eczema changes: it becomes increasingly dry and less wet. Swollen lymph nodes often occur, as the damaged skin barrier offers less resistance to pathogens such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. The immune system is weakened, especially during an attack, which increases susceptibility to infections.
Neurodermatitis in Babies and Children: The Psychological Challenges
Neurodermatitis is not only a physical burden for those affected, but also has psychological effects, which are presented below.- Withdrawal and isolation: The clearly visible symptoms such as redness and eczema can lead to withdrawal and isolation in children. The awareness of being different and the teasing by peers contribute to reduced self-confidence.
- Feeling of shame: Many children are ashamed of their skin and therefore avoid short clothing , which would actually be important to avoid sweat accumulation and the associated worsening of symptoms.
- Fears and doubts: The constant worry about the illness can lead to anxiety and depression in those affected. It is crucial to show understanding to these children and to convey to them that they are accepted and loved despite their illness.
It is very important to motivate affected children to continue to participate in social activities. This not only strengthens their self-confidence , but also helps to reduce isolation and psychological stress.
Neurodermatitis in Babies and Children: What Parents Can Do
Neurodermatitis in babies and children often presents parents with great challenges. However, there are effective ways to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the young patients, which are now presented.
- Regular skin care: Moisturizing creams and ointments should be used to keep the skin supple and prevent dryness.
- Avoiding triggers: Possible triggers such as certain foods, substances or environmental factors should be identified and avoided.
- Short baths: Long hot baths should be avoided as these can dry out the skin even more. For this reason, it is better to opt for short, cool baths that last a maximum of 10 minutes.
- Wear cotton clothing: You should wear breathable, soft fabrics such as cotton to avoid skin irritation.
- Use mild detergents: Hypoallergenic detergents without fragrances should be used to avoid further irritating the skin.
- Stress management: It is important to keep children's emotional stress as low as possible, as this can worsen symptoms.
- Healthy diet: A balanced diet can strengthen the immune system and contribute to overall skin health.
- Taking probiotics: In particular, the probiotic strains Lactobacillus paracasei LP33 and GMNL-133 have been clinically tested for the prevention and treatment of neurodermatitis. Clinical studies have shown that these probiotic strains are as effective as cortisone and do not cause any side effects.
Through a combination of careful care, a conscious lifestyle and the support of probiotics, parents can make a positive contribution to managing their child's neurodermatitis.
Neurodermatitis in Babies and Children: Relief Strategies for Families
Neurodermatitis in a family member can have a significant impact on family life and is often a burden for everyone involved. However, there are effective strategies to reduce these burdens and promote the well-being of the family.
Sleep management: Care should be taken to make clear agreements about who will look after the affected child at night in order to prevent the parents from becoming overtired. Organizing a night in which each partner can sleep through the night at least once a week prevents exhaustion and supports recovery.
Dealing with advice from outsiders: It is important to express your own opinion confidently and to make it clear that the child is already receiving specialist treatment . Limits should be set against unsolicited advice in order to maintain peace in the family.
Finding a doctor and treatment: Be careful when looking for a suitable doctor or treatment method, especially with offers that are expensive but may not be effective.
Social challenges for the child: The child should be informed about the illness in an age-appropriate manner so that he or she can understand it and deal with it confidently. Strengthening the child's self-esteem is crucial to overcoming feelings of shame about one's own body.
Through targeted measures and strong family cohesion , the stress caused by neurodermatitis can be significantly reduced, leading to an improved quality of life for the affected child and the entire family.
Atopic dermatitis in babies and children represents a significant challenge, causing both physical and psychological stress for the affected children and their families. However, by recognizing the symptoms early, understanding the causes and triggers, and applying targeted coping strategies, many of these burdens can be alleviated. Taking probiotics such as the Lactobacillus paracasei LP33 and GMNL-133 strains is an effective alternative, specifically targeting the strengthening of the skin barrier and reducing allergic symptoms. This probiotic supplement can be a valuable support in the treatment plan for children with atopic dermatitis, helping to sustainably improve the quality of life of the young patients and their families.
