Neurodermatitis: Pay attention to the psyche

Hanna Helder studied German language and literature at the Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg. In addition to her studies, she has gained a lot of experience in radio and print journalism through internships and freelance work. She has been at the Burda School of Journalism since October 2018 and writes, among other things, as a trainee for

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Red, cracked and flaky skin: Acute neurodermatitis doesn't look good. Affected adolescents and young adults in particular often not only suffer from itching, but also from poor self-esteem.

When neurodermatitis progresses, redness and cracks in the skin do not only show up on the bends of the elbows, knees or wrists. For example, the neck, décolleté, face and eyelids are also increasingly affected, and in extreme cases the entire skin. In such a visible way, adolescents and young adults in particular are affected by the symptoms of the chronic inflammatory skin disease. This should be taken seriously, warns the German Skin and Allergy Aid (DHA).

Atopic dermatitis is often associated with anxiety and depressive moods

Neurodermatitis, also called atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. It usually begins in early childhood (60 percent in the first year of life). Typical and mostly agonizing symptoms are severe itching and dry skin. In the majority of children, symptoms resolve completely during puberty. In some cases, atopic dermatitis can also be chronic into adulthood - with repeated flare-ups.

Affected children, adolescents and young adults cannot go along with every fashion due to the noticeable skin changes, for example, since atopic dermatitis blooms under tight-fitting clothing and certain materials. Many of them feel uncomfortable in the swimming pool. After a night out because of itchy skin, many are too tired to study or to party. All of this means that atopic dermatitis is often associated with anxiety, depressive moods and social withdrawal.

Seek psychological support

The DHA therefore advises those affected to seek professional psychological support if necessary. In addition to ointments and creams, a doctor can also prescribe treatment with tablets or capsules in the event of severe disease. However, not all of them are suitable for children and young people. Furthermore, as you get older, you also have to consider possible child wishes.

According to the DHA, so-called biologics are also an option for young people from the age of 12. These are drugs that are manufactured using biotechnological processes and injected under the skin with a pen. These biotechnologically produced proteins are intended to replace, supplement or even block the body's own messenger substances and proteins. It is intended to stop pathological processes and initiate or support beneficial processes in the body. (hh / dpa)

If you or your child are affected by neurodermatitis, the treating dermatologist is the right contact. Many hospitals with a dermatological department, especially university hospitals, also offer special consultation hours for children and neurodermatitis.

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