Neurodermatitis - Prevention
and Martina Feichter, medical editor and biologistMartina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.
Neurodermatitis is one of the allergic diseases. Patients have a genetic predisposition to develop the skin disease, so if the chronic skin disease (or other allergy) already occurs in the parents or siblings, babies are at increased risk of developing it as well. But there are some things you can do to reduce the risk to your child.
The immune system matures in early childhood. During this time it is decided how well the defenses can differentiate between friend and foe. In the first months of life, therefore, the course is set as to whether a child develops allergies or not.
Breastfeeding
If there is a family history of allergic diseases, mothers are recommended to fully breastfeed their children for four months. Breast milk contains important substances that promote the maturation of the immune system. If breastfeeding is not possible, experts recommend switching to hypoallergenic baby milk.
Complementary foods
With the feeding of the first porridge, the child's immune system comes into contact with completely new substances. That should happen between the fourth and sixth month of life. In this way, the immune system learns in good time to classify harmless components as such. Experts speak of a tolerance development.
Fish for the child
Studies indicate that children should be given fish before they are nine months old for allergy and eczema prevention. Whether fat or lean doesn't seem to matter.
Apply good lotion
There are also indications that regular application of lotion to children from birth could reduce the risk of neurodermatitis.
Pet ownership
Children who grow up with dogs are less likely to develop neurodermatitis. The more dogs live in the household, the stronger the effect. Keeping birds also protects against eczema. Cats, on the other hand, increase the risk of eczema.
