In this blog article you will learn what you need to know about neurodermatitis (also called atopic dermatitis).
Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by dry skin that can be irritated, very itchy, flaky and inflamed. The disease is one of the most common skin diseases in Germany and often begins in childhood. In adults, neurodermatitis occurs particularly on the flexural sides of the arms and legs, on the neck and hands.
Who is affected?
Studies have shown that young children are most commonly affected. While the disease is more or less equally distributed among girls and boys between the ages of five and nine, this changes significantly after the age of 10. After the age of 10, women are more often affected than men. However, the symptoms do not differ.
What are the symptoms?
However, symptoms can vary in severity from person to person. Some people experience occasional flare-ups of atopic dermatitis symptoms, while others experience symptoms almost constantly. Depending on the severity and location of symptoms, atopic dermatitis can impact quality of life to varying degrees. Treatment can help control symptoms. For many people, the condition improves by adulthood, but for some, it can last a lifetime. Symptoms can be controlled with a combination of medication, skin care products, and avoiding triggers. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms and provide a better quality of life.
What causes neurodermatitis?
The causes of atopic dermatitis have not yet been fully researched, but it is assumed that a combination of genetic and environmental conditions is important. A key role is played by a disturbed barrier function of the skin and the genetic tendency of the immune system to react excessively to harmless environmental stimuli. In addition to heredity, allergies are also known risk factors. Around two thirds of those affected have an allergic form of the disease. They often have more severe symptoms, more often hay fever or allergic asthma. Possible factors that can also contribute to atopic dermatitis are loss of moisture in the skin, metabolic disorders, stress and other psychological stress. In fact, the disease and its symptoms are interrelated with psychological well-being. Stress can make atopic dermatitis worse, but conversely the symptoms, especially the nighttime itching, are psychologically stressful. It is important to note that each person can react differently to the triggers.
Together with food allergies, allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, neurodermatitis is one of the atopic diseases.
Atopic diseases are a group of chronic diseases caused by an overactive reaction of the immune system to certain stimuli or allergens.
Why the intestine can also be the trigger
In addition to the causes mentioned above, it has also been found that the development of atopic dermatitis is not only linked to the skin microbiome, but also to the gut microbiome. For example, studies have shown that children who had a low bacterial diversity in their gut were more likely to develop atopic dermatitis. This proven connection between the gut and atopic dermatitis is called the "gut-skin axis." It has been shown that a healthy gut flora and an intact gut barrier are important for regulating the immune system and preventing inflammation. A disturbed gut flora and a damaged gut barrier can increase the risk of atopic dermatitis. It is suspected that certain microorganisms in the gut are underrepresented in atopic dermatitis patients compared to healthy people, while others may be disproportionately present.
How Neurodermatitis Changes the Skin Microbiome
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and has many important functions, including protection, regulating body temperature, receiving sensory stimuli, and secreting sweat. The skin microbiome refers to the totality of all microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live on the skin of a human or animal. These microbes live in a dynamic ecosystem on the skin and play an important role in regulating skin health and the defense mechanism against harmful microbes. A balance in the skin microbiome is crucial for healthy skin, while a change in the microbial population on the skin can lead to skin problems such as eczema or infections. In some skin diseases, this balance can be disrupted, causing inflammation and eczema to flare up. For example, in people with atopic dermatitis, Staphylococcus aureus is found more frequently than in people with healthy skin.
Deep Dive: Bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen found in the layers of the skin that may play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Studies have shown that people with atopic dermatitis have higher numbers of Staphylococcus aureus on their skin than healthy people. Staphylococcus aureus can cause inflammation and disrupt skin barrier function, which can contribute to atopic dermatitis symptoms getting worse. In some cases, treating Staphylococcus aureus can improve atopic dermatitis symptoms. However, it is important to note that not all people with atopic dermatitis have a Staphylococcus aureus infection, and there are other factors that may play a role in the development and progression of atopic dermatitis, including genetic factors, environmental exposures, and a disrupted gut-skin axis.
New solution: A healthy intestinal flora
An unhealthy diet rich in refined carbohydrates, sugar and processed foods can lead to dysbiosis (disturbance of the microbiome) in the intestine and thus also influence the occurrence of atopic dermatitis.
A balanced diet rich in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables can improve the gut microbiome and help reduce atopic dermatitis. The latest studies also show that probiotic supplements can support the gut microbiome. Probiotics help improve the gut environment, balance immune responses and regulate metabolic activity.
In this context, we have developed our Dermabacs® - a synbiotic that can also specifically target neurodermatitis. Would you like to find out more? Then click here and discover Dermabacs®!
